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Hurricanes downed by Thunder in Purple Rain derby as new Rugby League season gets underway in Sandwell

It was a day of contrasts on and off the pitch for Midlands Hurricanes as the club kicked off its first season in the Rugby League Championship at its new home.

By James Vukmirovic
Published

While the first day at the club’s new home of Avery Fields, home of Bournville RFC on Sunday, January 18 was one full of positivity, with players, staff and spectators alike enjoying the facilities, the game instead went the way of the visitors Newcastle Thunder.

The Hurricanes had put more than 120 points over the Thunder in 2025 in the two League One fixtures, but the Thunder side which took the field on Sunday was very different, with the benefits of the club’s new partnership with Super League York very apparent from the quality of the players in a 28-10 win, the club’s first league win since 2023.

The Hurricanes worked hard, but couldn't find a way through the tough Newcastle defence. Photo: Andy Shaw
The Hurricanes worked hard, but couldn't find a way through the tough Newcastle defence. Photo: Andy Shaw

In a game played in looming fog and wet conditions in what is called the Purple Rain Derby, Newcastle put on an impressive display, with Cody Hunter evading the Hurricanes defence at will for his two tries, while Will Dagger, Noah Whittingham and Will Roberts all scored tries.

Midlands Hurricanes, for their part, battled well in defence, with some solid tackling, and had moments of quality in attack, with Hurricanes man-of-the-match Tyler Dickinson making constant yards in attack.

The conditions were heavy, with fog in the air. Photo: Andy Shaw
The conditions were heavy, with fog in the air. Photo: Andy Shaw

However, despite Matty Chrimes forcing his way over for a try off the high kick of Lewis Else and Ryan Johnson powering his way through to score a consolation try, there were a few too many errors, from errant passes to knocking on in good positions.

While the defeat may be viewed as a disappointment, Midlands Hurricanes will take positives from the game as well and will look to get back on the horse against Aberavon Fighting Irish in the Challenge Cup on Sunday, January 25.

The game featured a lot of strong tackling and defence. Photo: Andy Shaw
The game featured a lot of strong tackling and defence. Photo: Andy Shaw

It’s a new level and a new challenge, but Midlands Hurricanes are looking to the future and preparing to build as a club on and off the pitch.

Midlands Hurricanes

1 Todd Horner

2 Matty Chrimes

3 Ryan Johnson

4 Ross Oakes

5 Luis Roberts

6 Danny Craven

7 Lewis Else

8 Jon Luke Kirby

9 Aiden Roden

10 Tyler Dickinson

11 Tom Wilkinson

21 Zach Jebson

14 Brandon Moore

Subs (all used)

13 Mikey Wood

16 Zeus Silk

19 Sully Medforth

20 Toby Warren

Tries: Chrimes (32), Johnson (79)

Goals: Else 0/1, Medforth 1/1

Newcastle Thunder

21 Will Dagger

2 Andy Djeukessi

3 Joe Law

25 Jack Smith

5 Brad Ward

6 Cody Hunter

7 Will Roberts

8 Bailey Antrobus

9 Taylor Pemberton

10 Ryan Jackson

11 Harvey Reynolds

12 Noah Whittingham

22 John Sagaga

Subs (all used)

14 Maxime Rostang

16 Leo Tennison

18 Ukuma Τa’ai

23 Aidan McGowan

Tries: Hunter (8, 66), Whittingham (21), Roberts (54), Dagger (74)

Goals: Smith 4/5

Penalty count: 6-6

Half-time: 4-12

Referee: Adam Williams

Attendance: 413