The Scorpions fielded an unchanged line-up for the long, arduous trip to Gateshead and claimed a crucial win that keeps a play-off finish on track.

The South Walian outfit notched up a half century of points for the first time in their history to heap misery on the financially-troubled Thunder.

A superb sprint from Lee Williams gave the Scorpions the opening try of the game before Lewis Mills dived over from short range.

The third try came on the half hour mark. Loz Wildbore's kick rebounded off the post and Andrew Gay seized on the loose ball to score. Lloyd White's kicking was on fire and he made it three from three to put the Scorpions 18-0 up. 

Joe Brown's unconverted try gave the home side a glimmer of hope before the interval, but the tiny band of travelling fans were confident that maximum points were in the bag as Neil Dallimore's try and White's conversion handed the Scorpions a 20-point lead. 

Tom Wilson bagged a second Gateshead try, but the Scorpions finished in firm control as Dallimore, Elliot Kear, powerhouse Christiaan Roets, Wildbore and Gay ran over further tries. 

This was a superb win for the Scorpions who proved their superiority against one of the league's weakest sides. Next up is the trip to London Skolars. The Welshmen will be heavy favourites and – hopefully backed by the club's biggest ever away following – must build on this easy win in the North East. 

Full Time – Gateshead 8-50 South Wales Scorpions