Evan Lawther, released by Whitehaven, made a scoring return to Newcastle Thunder on Sunday.
The centre went in for a try as Thunder celebrated their return to the International Stadium at Gateshead with their best performance of the season,
It didn’t produce the first win but 18-24 was as close as they’ve come in previous matches – by a long way.
Lawther had joined Whitehaven in the winter on a one-year deal after being encouraged to try his luck by the West Cumbrian’s winger Oscar Doran, a team-mate in the Universities side.
Haven coach Jonty Gorley was particularly keen on looking at Lawther in the back row but unfortunately an illness meant his game-time was strictly limited in pre-season.
Lawther had previously had two spells with Thunder and after discussions between the two clubs Whitehaven agreed to his release.
Whitehaven chief executive Barry Morgan said: “The constant travel to and from University in Newcastle didn’t help so we got together with Newcastle and Evan and agreed a free release for him to play closer to home.”
Sunday was Lawther’s first game back with the Thunder and he teamed up with Sean Croston who was back again with Newcastle and playing his second game of the season.
He had previously played for Whitehaven and this season had joined Workington Town, but with limited game time had been released to join Thunder.
