Hornets blew Gateshead Thunder away in a devastating 20 minute spell after half time. But the 40 preceding minutes gave no hint of what was to come.

Given the supporters' reaction, you'd have thought Gateshead had won the cup when Kevin Neighbour gave them the lead with a penalty after ten minutes, but a try from Casey Mayberry gave Horets back the lead. Gateshead then demonstrated for the first time during the game that they're not just aimless enthusiasm - Peers on an arcing run to round Owen and score.

Hornets fans rolled eyeballs and shrugged. It was all too achingly familiar. Hornets shunted themselves in front again with a bustling try by Cooper, followed by a rangy effort from Smith. But almost on half time, Kevin Neighbour capitalised on some static Hornets defending to dive in. He converted his own try and, almost miraculously, Thunder were level at half time at 14-all.

The next 20 minutes were, by equal amount, amazing and devastating. The half was less than a minute old when 'Tommy' Cooper scooted in for his second, followed four minutes later by a great crashing effort by Paul Davidson.

From the next set of six Tawhai and Agar combined to send Paul Owen over and within minutes Matt Long was marking his best game for the club yet by steaming in through weak tackling to score from 40 yards.

By now Long and Davidson were ripping huge holes in the Gateshead defence and the next try soon arrived. A huge break by Long, a neat inside ball to Smith, inside again to Tawhai, on to the supporting Warren Ayes who drew the fullback perfectly to send Owen over unopposed for his second. Blistering stuff.

For once the Hornets halfbacks were in complete control, steering the pack around and handing the young Thunder pairing a real masterclass in movement and vision. And it was Agar who capitalised on the space they created to step impressively through a gathering defence to score.

Man of the Match Paul Davidson brought this amazing quarter to a close with a huge break from half way - outpacing the Thunder threequarters on a race to the line to score in spectacular fashion.

From 14-all, within 20 minutes Hornets led 52-14 and Gateshead were visibly shellshocked.
But they girded themselves for big push and got lucky on the 70th minute. A kick through the defence appeared to roll behind the dead ball line shepherded by Owen. Thorman dived in more in hope than anticipation. Referee N.Oddy amazed everyone - including the noisy Thunder fans ten feet away in the Sandy Lane end by giving an obvious charity try.

Hornets replied immediately. The Gateshead winger fumbled the kick off, Hornets worked the ball across the field, Matt Long burst in at speed to score.

But, on an afternoon when they did themselves proud, Gateshead had the last word Neil Thorman jinking through to find Damian Kennedy in space for a last minute score.

In typical understated fashion, Martin Hall said that he found the first half, "... pretty mdiocre..." and recognised that, even though Hornets showed what they are really capable of on attack, "... we did concede too many points - again."

But Hornets have proved this season - against Leigh and Workington - that when they apply themselves their defence can be solid. It's ironic that the biggest scores we've conceded this season have been against Farnworth and Gateshead. It's almost as if Hornets know that if teams like this score 20, we'll do just enough to score 30. It's frustrating to watch, but Hally will know that it's better to improve steadily as the season goes than peak now and run out of steam.

In the end, Hornets were - for a good 22 minutes - in a different class to Gateshead. Agar and Tawhai showed signs of real vision and more than a few deft touches. Paul Davidson looks classier with every game - he strode around the field yesterday, terrorising the opposition defence with bullocking runs, some sweet handling and a real turn of pace - while Matt Long finally clicked into gear, tackling like a man posessed and finding the confidence in his size and ability. It all augurs well.

Next week comes the real test as Hornets travel to Huddersfield, who sneaked past Hull KR at the weekend. If our defence is as good as it was against Workington and our attack as fluid and incisive as it was yesterday, The Giants could be in for a rough ride.