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| Bates Praises Falcons Battlers |
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| Tom May celebrates his try in style |
| 4 May 2008, 7:49 pm |
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| Newcastle boss Steve Bates hailed the Falcons' will to win on Sunday, having watched his troops claim a gutsy and well-deserved 28-25 Guinness Premiership victory over Leicester Tigers. |
Speaking after the game, the acting director of rugby said: “The basis of today was the fact that we played with a lot more structure, and we were more focused on winning the game at all costs.
“Considering the weather and the quality of Leicester's pack, I thought we took a big step forward in the direction we have been talking about for a few weeks.
“I've never had any doubts as to the players' commitment to that game plan, even when we have had hiccups along the way, because what we are doing is asking them to change their whole approach to the game. That doesn't happen overnight or even in six weeks, but with belief in the new game plan and a huge work rate we have got the result on this occasion.
“That is not to say we are suddenly going to stop buying in to certain principles of attacking play that Newcastle Falcons has been associated with down the years, but what supporters can expect is more of a mix in terms of what tactics we employ at certain times and in certain games.”
Asked the secret of his side's success in a performance which combined powerful running lines with stern defensive resolve, Bates revealed: “We said in the changing room that we wanted to take Leicester on upfront, which is no small ask.
“But the boys fronted up magnificently to that challenge. We scrummaged really well up until the last ten minutes, got ourselves in to good areas territorially and scored some excellent tries.
“Leicester Tigers are an outstanding side packed with vast international experience and household names, we knew they would come back at us in the second half but we stuck at it and got the job done.
“It was great for us to get over that finishing line when the full-time whistle came, and I think it demonstrated the character and team spirit of this group of players.
“What I must also say on behalf of the squad is a big thank you to the supporters who turned out today and got behind us, because their contribution was hugely appreciated certainly by the players and I dare say everyone associated with Newcastle Falcons.”
With a morale-boosting victory coming just the day after the Falcons announced the summer departures of Toby Flood, Ben Woods and Mathew Tait, Bates said: “There are some very sensible and logical reasons for what has happened with regard to those moves, which the chairman has outlined in his press statement over the weekend.
“Having four people removed from our back line at stages during the season was not a viable option in the long term for the good of Newcastle Falcons, and we have acted accordingly.
“Three players have decided to take advantage of opportunities elsewhere which came their way, and there is certainly no feeling of disloyalty towards them from myself or the club.
“As has already been said, we cannot afford to lose more than half of our back line for half of the Guinness Premiership schedule next season, and we as a club felt it was important to address that situation to try and stabilise the team so we can look to build with a predominantly regular group of players.
“This is a professional game now, and players will not always spend their whole careers at one club. I would echo what Dave Thompson said in his statement, that we wish them well for the future, I'm sure they will contribute at their new clubs and they leave with our blessing.
“What I would add to that is that the attitude and performance of Mathew Tait and Ben Woods today was superb, especially given the announcement the day before, so I must thank them for that in what I appreciate must not have been the easiest of circumstances for them.
“We are still hugely proud of them as Falcons players and as people, and the part this club has played in their development, so there is no bad feeling between them and the club at all.
“Having just released two full internationals and one Saxons player, to ensure that we are as competitive if not more competitive next season, then we have to go in to the transfer market and recruit accordingly.
“Certain names have been mentioned in the press, not all of them accurately, but we need to look hard at what position we recruit in and what any potential signings will add to the group. We are actively in the market place at the moment, and as soon as we have news on that front we will let people know.” |
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