But it wasn't all plain sailing for the hosts. They again blew hot and cold against opponents determined not to give them an easy ride. Hornets were at their best in the opening quarter. The forwards made the hard yards; the half backs spun it wide, as they racked up a 16-0 lead. It was error-free rugby coupled with disciplined defence; the game plan was working. But, the home team allowed Thunder back into the game, the visitors scoring on the back of the first penalty conceded by Hornets. They then added a second to reduce the arrears to six points to go into the break with added confidence. Fortunately, Hornets re-established their supremacy and had enough in their armoury to see off Gateshead's brave challenge. And had they not squandered several good scoring chances might have won more comfortably. Hornets got off to the perfect start, strong runs from the forwards taking them into the visitors 22. The ball was whipped along the threequarter-line and Wayne Englishs' superb pass sent Langley in out wide. The home teamâs hard-running pack continued to make inroads and another set move saw the Langley dive in for his second. Gatesheadâs desperate defence halted Warren Thompsonâs mazy run as he was hauled down just short of the line. But, they were unable to respond when the ball was shipped quickly left where English was again the provider, this time Martin Waring providing the finish. Hornets were in full flow more delightful handling creating space for Langley to complete his hat trick. Gateshead hit back, Chris Heil spinning his way over from close range to open their account. And, with the half-time hooter approaching, Aaron Ollett burst through the Hornets rearguard, Jason Payne on hand to run in a second. Benn Hardcastle converted. The opening exchanges of the second half were nip and tuck but Hornets drew first blood when an intricate passing move involving Paul Crook and Danny Davies sent Danny Yates scurrying in for a try. Crook added the extras. Three minutes later, Crook and Davies again combined, the latter bringing Langley back on the inside to bag his fourth. Crook made it a six-pointer. Gateshead hit back when Hardcastle's dummy wrong-footed the defence, a huge gap appeared and he cantered in for a try. Yates added a drop goal to the home teamâs tally, before they contrived to blow several excellent chances and the opportunity to put the game well out of reach of the visitors. Gateshead stuck at it and with four minutes to go Heil burst clear to give Paul Stamp a clear run to the line. Hardcastle tagged on the two. Hornets, while always the likely winners might reflect on chances blown and defensive lapses. They cannot afford this luxury if they hope to come out on top in Thursday nightâs derby against Oldham. Match Stats HORNETS: Wayne English, Gareth Langley, Danny Davies, Dave Hull, Martin Waring, Paul Crook, Danny Yates, John Cookson, Chris Hough, Carl Forster, Chris Baines, Jordan Case, Warren Thompson. Subs: Ruairi McGoff, Matty Crow, Andy Ainscough, Alex McClurg. Tries: Langley 2, 12, 28, 53, Waring 23, Yates 50. Goals: Crook 2. Drop-Goal: Yates. GATESHEAD THUNDER: Luke Hardcastle, Nick Johnson, Jacob Blades, Chris Heil, Tom Caprer, Paul Stamp, Benn Hardcastle, Stephen Welton, Ricky Hough, Lee Fewlass, Aaron Ollett, Callum Cockburn, Jason Payne. Subs: Alex Ruff, Joe Brown, Brad Krebs, Josh Stoker. Tries: Heil 32, Payne 39, Hardcastle 58, Stamp 76. Goals: Hardcastle 3. Referee: C Sharrad HT: 16-10 Pens: 6-5 Attendance: 405