Liam Kay didn’t pull any punches after a tough second half.

“We’re massively disappointed,” The Toronto Wolfpack winger said. “That’s nowhere near the standard that we play.”

The 40-22 score in favour of his team notwithstanding, the Wolfpack were given a stiff challenge from a very gritty Newcastle Thunder team yesterday. The positive spin is that with the also-unbeaten Barrow Raiders coming into Lamport Stadium next Saturday, the Wolfpack could benefit from the test they received in northeast England.

“Newcastle had a good dig at us,” Wolfpack coach Paul Rowley said. “They played with energy. They have some quick lads. Full credit to them.”

The first half though produced some of that ‘sexy rugby’ that Rowley promised before last week’s home opener. Ryan Brierley opened the scoring with a dribbling kick-and-chase. Then Bob Beswick found Blake Wallace in space and he dashed 50 yards for the second score.

After a nice score from Zach Clark put the home side on the board, Jonny Pownall finished a set with a try on the corner.

Kay got into the act, taking a feed from Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e and speeding 70 yards to increase the Toronto lead then Wallace delivered a small kick to Togaga’e who put the Wolfpack up 28-4 at halftime.

Though the game was out of reach, the Thunder put on a good show for a small-but-vocal gathering. Danny Nicklas scored early in the half. Then after a score by Bob Beswick increased Toronto’s lead, Lewis Young scored on a nice individual effort then Evan Simons finished off another impressive set.

That would be it for them though as Brierley went for another long run in stoppage time to end the match.

“The boys had a good win,” Rowley said. “They’re still undefeated. No complaints from me.”

The Wolfpack now prepare for Barrow in a battle of 7-0 teams that should decide first place in Kingstone Press League 1.