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| Bates: 'One For The Fans' |
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| Jubilant scenes as the Falcons celebrate victory |
| 22 November 2009, 7:36 pm |
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| Newcastle boss Steve Bates dedicated Sunday's Guinness Premiership victory at London Irish to the travelling Falcons fans, after an epic journey saw them miss the first half of the 15-11 triumph. |
Having embarked on the 600-mile round trip, a broken down bus in Yorkshire saw a replacement summoned from the Cumbrian depot as the hardy travellers dug in for a nine-hour outward stretch.
Arriving at Madejski Stadium just two minutes before half-time the fans did not allow the ordeal to quieten their spirit, as they cheered the Falcons every inch of the way for the remainder of the game.
Speaking after the final whistle, director of rugby Bates said: “This game is for our supporters, who showed extraordinary commitment today.
“It’s something we talked about in the dressing room with the players, and it makes it all worthwhile when guys are travelling such incredible distances in their spare time to wish you well and give you support out there on the pitch.
“The players and coaching staff at the club all appreciate the lengths that our supporters go to in backing us week in, week out, and despite their ordeal today hopefully we at least managed to reward them in some small way with the result out there.”
Turning to the game itself, Bates said: “I thought the pack was outstanding in providing the platform for us, and for Jimmy Gopperth to kick five from five penalties was an excellent contribution.
“He is a very relaxed character, he has fitted in exceptionally well and I think these last few Guinness Premiership games have seen a bit more in terms of how he and everyone else has settled into this team.
“We always knew it would take time for things to come together with so many new arrivals over the summer, but that work is starting to bear fruit now, and we’re on the road to becoming the sort of team that we want to be.”
With high drama all the way as London Irish pressed to the very last minute, Bates added: “Our defence was given a thorough examination, but I think they showed what they are made of for the most part.
“The try we conceded was a little soft, but the way in which we closed the game out at the end was a real credit to the effort and character showed by the entire team.”
Now sitting at sixth in the table after a hat-trick of league victories, Bates said: “We’re going okay, but this is an extremely tough competition and we are certainly not taking anything for granted.
“When we think back to this time last year when London Irish put 48 points on us, we feel as if we have come a long way since then.
“We now have a short turnaround for Friday night’s game against Northampton, which limits what we can do in training somewhat, but with a good home atmosphere and a lot of belief in the camp we’re all now looking forward to what should be a cracking game.”
Tickets for Friday are available by calling 0871 226 60 60.
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