Gateshead promoted to NL1

Gateshead Thunder have secured promotion to National League 1 following their 44-22 win over Blackpool Panthers yesterday.nnThunder have been there or there abouts all season in National League 2 and are just two games away from securing the league title – facing Workington away and Doncaster in front of the SKY cameras at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park ground, knowing that a win in both games will guarantee they are premiers.nnThe club have achieved their success this season thanks to much dedication during pre-season, which has continued throughout the year. Those extra nights of training prior to the season have well and truly paid off.nnMany fans from the heartlands no doubt stereotype Thunder as an expansion club packed with Australians, but there is a heavy local presence within the side, with the likes of Neil Thorman, Kevin Neighbour and Ryan Clarke being integral parts of this year’s success.nnAs proud sponsors of Gateshead throughout 2008, LastTackle.com would like to congratulate all at the club on this significant achievement, and wish the club all the best in their hunt not only for the league title, but for a Super League licence in 2012.nnWe have been warmly received by the club all season, particularly by coaches Dave Woods and Chris Hood, as well as club owner Steven Garside, and we have built a great rapport with the club’s fantastic fans on matchdays and also through the club’s fans forum, hosted here on Last Tackle.