A Matty Berahall-inspired Gateshead Thunder earned a crucial 24-16 victory over London Skolars at Gateshead International Stadium on Saturday.

Berahall scored two classy tries to underline his impressive solo performance and seal an important victory for the home side.

The hosts started brightly with tries from Sam Bowering and Berahall securing an eight-point lead within the first ten minutes.

Skolars showed some resolve in the latter stages of the half with a Mike McMeeken try just before the break.

After the interval, Thunder asserted their dominance with tries from Berahall and Jason Payne to take an 18-6 lead.

Judd Greenhalgh scored what proved to be a consolation try, as Thunder extended their lead with tries from Ricky Hough and Mufaro Mvududu, both converted by Jamie Rooney.

The Skolars will play their first match at Enfield Town FC's QEII Stadium next Sunday for the visit of Gloucestershire All Golds.

A six-game agreement has been struck between the Skolars and the Towners as the Skolars' New River Stadium undergoes major improvement works.

Skolars’ commercial manager Pat Cluskey said: "Everybody at the club would like to thank the football and rugby clubs plus the local authority for their help in facilitating the move to Enfield.

"It’s an exciting time for us and we’re looking forward to welcoming the sports fans of Enfield and surrounding areas to the QEII and introducing them to thrills and spills of professional rugby league."