Gateshead equal 2011 points tally

Gateshead have already equalled last season’s points tally in just three games in 2012.

Thunder picked up a credible bonus point in the 30-18 defeat against Whitehaven at the weekend, thanks to Ryan Clarke‘s late goalkick.

Captain Jason Payne told the club’s official website: “On reflection of the game I am disappointed we didn’t come away with more, we let some soft tries in which didn’t help our cause.

“On the other hand we have already accumulated last year’s points total after just three rounds and in a tougher competition, so I am happy about that.

“We just need to continue growing in confidence and keep improving, the lads are working incredibly hard for each other and that’s great to see.”

Gateshead now have two points from their first three games, keeping them off the bottom spot, currently occupied by North Wales Crusaders.