York Wasps suffered their third pre-season defeat in as many games yesterday - but at least they had the consolation of sharing in a piece of history.

York's defeat was Gateshead Thunder's gain as the north east club recorded their first victory since their rebirth less than four months ago.

Nobody would begrudge Thunder this win, or a successful season, after the tragic way the original club was consigned to the scrapheap when it merged with Hull FC.

But realistically it is likely that the two teams contesting yesterday's Huntington Stadium encounter will find wins hard to come by in the Northern Ford Premiership this season.

There was no doubting the enthusiasm shown by both sides, in particular Gateshead whose players and large contingent of fans celebrated victory as if they had just won the Challenge Cup.

However, the lack of experience in both camps will almost certainly prove a telling factor.

Without injured first choice half-backs Paddy Handley and Gareth Stephens, and with centre Darren Hughes and second rower Andy Hill also missing, the Wasps did not possess the creative force to greatly trouble the Thunder defence in the early stages.

But York could still feel a little hard done by not to register a confidence-boosting win ahead of the NFP opener at home to Doncaster Dragons next Sunday.

They showed tremendous spirit to claw their way back from 14-0 and by the end looked the side most likely to grab the win.

New Zealand forward Michael Smith was the instigator behind York's fightback.

His trademark drives were an incessant problem for the Thunder defence which visibly tired in the second half.

He was deservedly rewarded with two tries, the first coming ten minutes into the second half. He crashed over from five yards out following Gareth Dobson's pass from acting half.

Hooker Dobson's introduction as an early second half substitute proved key for the Wasps.

He also set up Smith's second try five minutes later when his grubber kick on the last tackle deflected off a Gateshead player into the path of Smith who gratefully accepted the chance.

With Jamie Benn converting both tries and the Wasps having stolen the momentum, the game seemed there for the taking.

But Gateshead's slender two point advantage proved enough. They had opened the scoring after eight minutes when experienced hooker Roy Southernwood dived over from acting half and Hall slotted over an easy conversion.

Midway through the half Hall increased the advantage with a penalty to give Thunder an 8-0 half-time lead.

Four minutes into the second half the visitors scored the try of the match. Substitute Paul Lister broke from his own 40 metre line, found winger Leon Williamson in support on his outside and, with the cover drawn, he slipped the ball back inside for second rower Jim Carlton to romp home.

A major bonus for the Wasps was the return of centre Shaun Austerfield after an eight-month injury lay-off.

He came on for a 20 minute spell in the second half and suffered no reaction to the knee ligament injury which has kept him sidelined.

Other plus points were the performances of Gareth Lloyd who made several strong runs and stand-off Chris Allen, who deputised admirably for Paddy Handley.

York Wasps: Benn, Butterfield, Moore, Lloyd, McKenzie, Allen, Oulton, Forsyth, Pallister, Smith, Hargrave, Pincher, Ramsden. Subs (all used): Mullholland, Dobson, Austerfield, Precious, Rumford.

Gateshead Thunder: Brown, Arrowsmith, McGibbon, Hall, Williamson, Dyson, Gambles, Barron, Southernwood, Grundy, Carlton, Derose, Sebine. Subs (all used): Field, Garside, Lister, Roberts.

Attendance: 307