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Newcastle Falcons Gallery -


Tonight's. Game
Discussion started by Osric , 01 September, 2017 22:21
Tonight's. Game
Osric 01 September, 2017 22:21
Couldn't make it as on hols. Watched Glos beat Exe on BT sport with minimal mention of our game. Were we good, Wuss bad, or a combination?

Re: Tonight's. Game
ROLLO 01 September, 2017 22:32
We were woeful.

Re: Tonight's. Game
DB23 01 September, 2017 22:46
Biggest difference I noticed tonight was the belief and confidence in the team. It just looked like a team quietly going about their business.

We defended well in the first half and opened up in the second half and scored some good tries. A real team effort.

I was concerned by the squad announcement before the game but that was proven to be misplaced and unfounded.

A good, solid, professional performance and we deserved the bonus point win.

Wth the absentees coming back as and when we should get better but the team tonight certainly proved their worth.

Kyle Cooper was MOM but there were good performances all round. My stand out player was Alex Tait, he always delivers.

On that display, Worcester could struggle but obviously it's only the first game.

Delighted with our win though, we're up and running.

Re: Tonight's. Game
AFalcon24 01 September, 2017 23:10
What a great start for us especially with the injuries we have, didn't expect that scoreline though. smiling smiley

Re: Tonight's. Game
NorfolkFalcon 01 September, 2017 23:16
Agree with DB. Alex Tait was my MOTM. Extremely impressive performance in all facets of the game.

Defensive very good first half and we were pretty clinical second half. That being said, the performance wasn't perfect and we need to work on the certain aspects like the scrum, kicking and chasing etc.

I have to say a big thanks to all Falcons staff and fans for making us feel so welcome for our first trip to the KP. It made the 287 mile, 7 hour drive up well worth it, got loads of photos and bagged the refill glasses.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Rafpilot2000 01 September, 2017 23:27
Great game with some good performances .great to give some different players a run out.whilst the score line doesn't really represent the effort Worcester put in, they are lucky to have scored 8 having looked at their 'Try' closely. It will be interesting to see how we do against London Irish as sadly Insee them and Warriors as relegation rivals

Re: Tonight's. Game
DB23 01 September, 2017 23:47
Just one more thing; we are top of the league

Re: Tonight's. Game
Cantabrian 01 September, 2017 23:55
What a great start to the season.

Most of our guys have been playing together and getting better for a couple of seasons now and it showed tonight. We really looked like a tough teaam to beat and the result was never in doubt even when they were awarded that highly dubious try.

Our new signings watching on from the sidelines will realise they'll have to perform well to gain a starting place in this season's Falcons matchday 23. I thought Joel was a revelation, He looked composed, mature and capable.

Best start to a season for ages.Happy Days!

Re: Tonight's. Game
Geordie 01 September, 2017 23:56
I'd say solid, workmanlike and efficient with chances. And that's the sign of a good side.

I see the Wuss fans are doing the usual...slagging us off. Apparently everyone of our scores were due to their mistakes. Oh dear Lord.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Falc Dancer 01 September, 2017 23:59
I am more than happy with a bonus point especially considering we didn't hit top gear
However I still cannot understand how the Wuss try was awarded. Barnes is a top ref and did a very good job on the night but the TMO led decision to award the try baffles me

Re: Tonight's. Game
w4rriorz1980 02 September, 2017 00:02
Quote:
Falc Dancer
I am more than happy with a bonus point especially considering we didn't hit top gear
However I still cannot understand how the Wuss try was awarded. Barnes is a top ref and did a very good job on the night but the TMO led decision to award the try baffles me
We needed that bit of luck.You got plenty last season! ;-)

Re: Tonight's. Game
eebagum 02 September, 2017 00:11
A brilliant performance all round, very difficult to name a MOTM,but very pleased to see JP go over as much to say-'you don't put Jp on the bench'! I'm not sure if Worcester were 'woeful' or we were that good to make them appear so.
Worcs were with us until around the hour when our defensive line and intensity were just too much for them.We looked fitter from the first whistle and so it proved.Gaining territorial advantage and then putting points on the board.Did or did nt Worcs ground the ball correctly?, a few off loads going to hand, and a good bounce of the ball occasionally would have given us a scoreline which even the BBC may have written something to praise our performance.
I admit I was a little concerned when the team was announced but now you wonder who gets dropped from the starting 15 to make way for Flood,Mermoz,Goneva and Sinotti.
On this form, what price we beat Sarries in America?

Re: Tonight's. Game
eebagum 02 September, 2017 00:21
Sorry W4arriorz1980, I lived in the Vale of Evesham for a number of years and graced Pershore's pitch at Wyre Piddle- just can't remember a lot of grapes being grown.!!!
I think you lost your way tonight against a well organised fit Falcons team.All you had left towards the end was a kicking game which was nt working.
It's a pity for you your two ball carriers were left on the bench for so long as they certainly made inroads.

Re: Tonight's. Game
w4rriorz1980 02 September, 2017 01:10
Quote:
eebagum
Sorry W4arriorz1980, I lived in the Vale of Evesham for a number of years and graced Pershore's pitch at Wyre Piddle- just can't remember a lot of grapes being grown.!!!
I think you lost your way tonight against a well organised fit Falcons team.All you had left towards the end was a kicking game which was nt working.
It's a pity for you your two ball carriers were left on the bench for so long as they certainly made inroads.
I played on that pitch against Pershore for Stourport.Long time ago!
No sour grapes intended.I expect to win the reciprocal fixture at Sixways but a long way to go yet! :-)

Re: Tonight's. Game
WorcesterSauce 02 September, 2017 03:17
Missed tackle count tells you all you need to know. It was mainly Worcester playing badly but fair play you well and truly put us to bed despite a huge injury list. No disrespect to Newcastle but if worceater are serious about moving forward this season we were looking at winning tonight. Unfortunately it didnt happen and we will probably go down. I can't be arsed with such a @#$%& performance and won't go if that's the norm. There have been too many false dawns for there to be another - if they don't crack it this/next season Worcester may as well give up and close up shop.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Oneforthefatboys 02 September, 2017 06:24
Observation - Worcester scored it was given, who cares. Falcons won and were the better team tonight that is all that needs to be said.
In the name of rugby, let's not get into petty slagging matches and enjoy after game pints.

View - we played a good high intensity game, hit good lines and scored tries. Well done falcons.

Worcester will improve. Gold is an excellent DOR, hougaard is great, as is pennell etc. Good luck for the season, again let's keep sportsmanship in rugby.

Team selection for sale will be interesting because how can you drop anybody after that performance.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Geordie 02 September, 2017 07:05
So it was only because Worcester played badly that the falcons won?

Oh dear Lord you wuss fans have such high opinions of your team....

Re: Tonight's. Game
Falcons_Thunder 02 September, 2017 07:17
Great start to kick on for and some great performances Kyle Cooper, Will Witty, Chris Harris, Tane Takulua but my MOTM goes to Alex Tait he was the only player who had a fantastic game last week against Edinburgh and has continued that form last night, Joel played some good rugby but he missed touch way to many times, and if we were playing a sarries or wasps they would have punished us!. Now on to Worcester they were poor last night missed tackle count was very high(sale won't miss that many next week) from them but I'm sure they will improve over the season.

Now on to the frightening part really apart from Tane that was our second choice backline and it just shows the strength and depth we have now!! Plus 13EQP players on show last night.

The forwards were certainly missing a monster carrier (apart from Kyle Cooper). Opeti Founa could give us massive go forward in that department. Callum Green is certainly one of our unsung heros, his work rate is outstanding.

All in all a good well deserved start. Bring on the sharks!! COYF

Re: Tonight's. Game
exhooker 02 September, 2017 07:43
You say Joel missed touch too many times.You can only say that if he was trying to find touch and I think our kicking game was about territory and not about touch finding. Our defence was awesome no matter who we were playing. Soak up pressure in your own 22 for 5 minutes and then score is a great recipe.

Re: Tonight's. Game
steve1888 02 September, 2017 07:52
You can't ask for more than that from first came of the season, excellent team showing.

Atmosphere wasn't the best which shows what the tannoy chap adds I guess.

The wife enjoyed the ref link. Now to decide if can make kick off at Sale leaving at 4ish.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Falcons_Thunder 02 September, 2017 08:34
Quote:
exhooker
You say Joel missed touch too many times.You can only say that if he was trying to find touch and I think our kicking game was about territory and not about touch finding. Our defence was awesome no matter who we were playing. Soak up pressure in your own 22 for 5 minutes and then score is a great recipe.

If he wasn't trying to find touch he was awefully close to the white line time and time again lol.

Re: Tonight's. Game
citizen-slacker 02 September, 2017 08:47
So it was my first game for a while, having missed all of last season. A blistering start, with @#$%&'s try,but then I thought I had never been away as there was a woeful game of kick tennis, thankfully ended with Kyle Cooper (looking like wor Mickey when he walks & runs like the Hulk) bursting through tackles.
Second half was more composed and the defense was outstanding.
Wuss were walking to get round the corner in the first half, whether that was lack of fitness or belief I don't know but they didn't look that interested.
Some really good tackles put in, hits you could hear at the back of the South Stand.
Voice wrecked, 5 pointer in the bag. Roll on Sale.

Re: Tonight's. Game
aidanb 02 September, 2017 09:05
Quote:
Falcons_Thunder
.....
Callum Green is certainly one of our unsung heros, his work rate is outstanding.

All in all a good well deserved start. Bring on the sharks!! COYF

Can't argue with you too much of what you say but Green got lucky with the charge down. A better camera angle would have seen a try chalked off and him in the bin.

I sometimes feel he's the safe option at lock yet he does often get involved in the daft stuff as well.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Get Stuck In 02 September, 2017 09:35
Great performance. Fantastic defence when Worcester rallied, and some thrilling handling from our backs. I'm starting to love that artificial playing surface. My star player, too, was Alex Tait who is hugely underrated, but does everything well. Our scrum half Takulua was also very special with his swift passing that got the back line going. A thoroughly enjoyable game, I thought.

Re: Tonight's. Game
dick g 02 September, 2017 09:44
Wuss decision to kick the ball out and end the first half rather than trying to run it when they had nothing to lose and a lot to gain shows the extent to which they felt they were on to a hiding. We will have to play better to make progress. I suspect that we will.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Geordie 02 September, 2017 10:31
Agree Alex tait is underrated....i think he's a class act.

He actually would be my first choice 15 over Hammersley.

But it's nice we have serious competition in almost every position now.

I was a little critical of the selection for last night but they made me eat my words with a solid and efficient performance.

Re: Tonight's. Game
pa8 02 September, 2017 11:45
It seemed that every time Alex got the ball last night he made the right decision and executed perfectly.

Re: Tonight's. Game
lizard118 02 September, 2017 12:49
Quote:
GeordieFalcon
So it was only because Worcester played badly that the falcons won?
Oh dear Lord you wuss fans have such high opinions of your team....
Worcester, a bit like some Bristol fans have high opinions of themselves, except unlike us they've never won anything of note.
The arrogance is interesting for a team that's never won nought.
A Big well done to our well drilled and humble outfit. Humility is what's got us to where we are. And that's a big part of Deano's philosophy. Long may that continue.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Rafpilot2000 02 September, 2017 14:14
I think all sports fans are passionate about their team but clearly some are less able to articulate their feelings productively than others that may be down to a number of issues associated with the individual.
More broadly though, it must be rather unpalatable to be left in the realisation after one game that your team have a relegation battle on their hands for the rest of the season.
Separately though it seems we have kicked off in the manner in which we finnished last season playing some attractive rugby and not just scoring tries , but kicking well too.

Re: Tonight's. Game
lizard118 02 September, 2017 15:11
Additionally, we have a good squad and players who fight for each other. Those are qualities you simply just can't buy.
I like the way we're developing organically a bit like Exeter, building slowly and just adding a sprinkling of star quality but with no egos. After last season's 8th position I genuinely believe we can finish in 6th position.

Re: Tonight's. Game
falconsfan07 02 September, 2017 16:03
Quote:
lizard118
Additionally, we have a good squad and players who fight for each other. Those are qualities you simply just can't buy.
I like the way we're developing organically a bit like Exeter, building slowly and just adding a sprinkling of star quality but with no egos. After last season's 8th position I genuinely believe we can finish in 6th position.

What he said.

we are not only adding quality, but the guys we are signing are genuinely lovely humbling lads.

Deano has not only installing a superb culture at the club, but is also signing lads who uphold the family values and bond well with others.

Guys like Tane, Nili, Niki, Taity, JPS, Wilson and many others are a joy to be around and are great for creating a culture where everyone works for each other and wants to be around each other.

Things are really starting to fall into place at KP

Re: Tonight's. Game
Geordie 02 September, 2017 16:21
Can I just ask peoples opinions of Calum Chick.

The lad played very well last night, and looks to be developing into a cracking player as most of us expected...but where do you see his long term position..? 6,7 or 8? I'm just not sure ultimately that he's big enough for 8 (though I appreciate he's still young and will develop physically) and suspect that it'll be one of the flank positions.

Whats your thoughts?

Re: Tonight's. Game
Kwa444 02 September, 2017 16:28
I was a bit concerned when I saw the team sheet and thought we might just nick it.

Really happy with the result. I always say it but rugby is such a confidence game. Last season we narrowly beat Sale after they missed a last gasp kick and our season rolled from there.

You can't ask more than a comfortable win with 4 tries and a bonus point. So many monkeys off the back in the first game will allow the team to be a lot more comfortable going forward into other mathces.

I don't like to hear that Worcester weren't up to much because to be quite honest there are no bad teams in the AP, particularly with Irish back. Worcester have some good players and will improve under Gold. Other teams may well get seen off by them.

Well done to the lads, enjoy the weekend, job well done!

Re: Tonight's. Game
mannin 02 September, 2017 16:33
All clubs have supporters who are confrontational, sore losers. Ignore them.

More and more teams are happy to play without the ball and/or keep kicking until the opposition make a mistake. It's not gonna change with the way the laws are as teams are petrified of getting caught in isolation in their own half.

Re: Tonight's. Game
aidanb 02 September, 2017 17:11
Quote:
GeordieFalcon
Can I just ask peoples opinions of Calum Chick.
The lad played very well last night, and looks to be developing into a cracking player as most of us expected...but where do you see his long term position..? 6,7 or 8? I'm just not sure ultimately that he's big enough for 8 (though I appreciate he's still young and will develop physically) and suspect that it'll be one of the flank positions.

Whats your thoughts?

I thought he had a cracking game

Also, he is bigger than Latu - or at least looks bigger - so I don't see his size as a problem as such.

Did anyone think Mark Wilson had lost a little bit of weight ?
Not that he was carrying timber before but he did look a bit lighter last night.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Geordie 02 September, 2017 17:19
Yeah i agree Chick played very well..and was very noticeable carrying etc. I'm a big fan, i just wondered about his size compared to most 8's. I guess that's not really an issue.

As to Mark Wilson i though he looked quite muscly and powerful looking but lean, not carrying any fat. In fact we've all mentioned they all look like they've had a GREAT preseason from what we've seen in the friendlies.

I suspect that fitness will be another weapon in our armour this season...we may beat teams in the last 20....

Re: Tonight's. Game
Marco19819 02 September, 2017 19:34
I thought it was an outstanding performance as I too was underwhelmed by the selection in the back 3. Fair was superb and Kyle Cooper is fantastic every time i see him! I agree that something special is building and there is a real spirit at the club. Agree that Worcester seemed to be low on confidence but they will improve. (NB I am disappointed that there is so much animosity between people on here. We must remember to protect the values of the game. I make sure that i applaud OPPO players on and off the field respect kickers etc and expect the same in return! I suppose passion gets the better of people sometimes. I was disappointed with some of the things shouted at Wayne Barnes, who is a thoroughly decent bloke. It was the TMO remember!)

As for chick, I agree. He looks bigger and stronger every time i see him and carried so aggressively. I think he wil develop into an all court type of 8 and remember that we are used to billy v for England but he is actually of similar dimensions to one Mr reid, of NZ! I taught Callum and can assure you he is an incredibly honest down to earth bloke who will improve exponentially because of his dedication and focus. A fantastic lad who I thought enjoyed a cracking game.

I agree that the strength in depth is brilliant and I was really glad that taity and Bela shut me up good and proper on friday. Taka is so important becaaue he has that magical ability to turn a game on its head with his ability to make breaks. He is a rare talent, no doubt! What a man for the likes of Dawson to learn from!

Re: Tonight's. Game
Too far away 02 September, 2017 20:06
Good start to the season. The two really big pluses over the beginning of the last season was the composure and the tackling. Kicking game was poor, they rarely found space and a better side could have hurt the Falcons there.

Re: Tonight's. Game
WorcesterSauce 02 September, 2017 20:14
The stats show that Worcester missed a massive amount of tackles compared with you and I think that's where Worcester fans are coming from. There's no doubt we made a huge number of mistakes. However Newcastle could only play what's in front of them and there's no doubt your boys were clinical. I dont think that's Worcester fans being arrogant, just saying it as the stats say it played out.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Osric 02 September, 2017 20:31
Marco - fully agree 'protect the values of the game' (it is just that, a game). If we get visitors on here who sometimes forget that, we should, I think, rise above it and claim the high ground. This is always a little easier on the back of a BP win.

This will be a very competitive season as today's results have shown and, delighted as I am with yesterday's result, it is a little too early to read too much into it. Irish looked decent today and, as we know, GG is a good coach who will help Wuss to a better place. Sale look strong and my preseason thoughts that Glos might go into free fall were shown to be a tad myopic.

If we're going to improve on last term, we need five teams, at least, to be worse than us. I can see this years relegated team going down with a healthy 25 points plus, with none of the recent seasons whipping boys.

Sale away will be a strong test of where we are. We've had some tight games in recent seasons. Here's hoping we can nick it. COF

Re: Tonight's. Game
dick g 02 September, 2017 20:35
It wasn't just Warrior's defensive frailty that aided our win. They had plenty of attacking opportunities which we repelled. We defended well and used the boot to control territory. We won because we were better. End of...

Re: Tonight's. Game
Geordie 02 September, 2017 22:51
Quote:
dick g
It wasn't just Warrior's defensive frailty that aided our win. They had plenty of attacking opportunities which we repelled. We defended well and used the boot to control territory. We won because we were better. End of...

Exactly!

Re: Tonight's. Game
Geordie 02 September, 2017 22:59
Quote:
Marco19819

As for chick, I agree. He looks bigger and stronger every time i see him and carried so aggressively. I think he wil develop into an all court type of 8 and remember that we are used to billy v for England but he is actually of similar dimensions to one Mr reid, of NZ

Its funny ive just checked Calums stats and he is just under 6'4 and currently 16st.6,which will increase as he matures physically through weights etc. I honestly didn't think he was quite as big as that. He certainly has the athleticism, speed and ability required.

So much talent coming through our academy at the moment...great to be a falcon fan.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Marco19819 03 September, 2017 06:52
Yes and remember he is SO young. He has showed at u20 level he alsohas leadership qualities and is developing an all court game. Witty is also exceptional and neither has yet got their "man strength:.

It certainly is exciting. I would like to see more of radwan, blamire and uzokwe as well.

Quote:
GeordieFalcon
Quote:
Marco19819

As for chick, I agree. He looks bigger and stronger every time i see him and carried so aggressively. I think he wil develop into an all court type of 8 and remember that we are used to billy v for England but he is actually of similar dimensions to one Mr reid, of NZ

Its funny ive just checked Calums stats and he is just under 6'4 and currently 16st.6,which will increase as he matures physically through weights etc. I honestly didn't think he was quite as big as that. He certainly has the athleticism, speed and ability required.

So much talent coming through our academy at the moment...great to be a falcon fan.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Falcons_Thunder 03 September, 2017 07:24
I think people are getting a bit carried away with the win over a poor Worcester. If are wanting g to progress to top six we should be beating teams like Worcester hands down. It'll be interesting to see next weeks game away to Sale.

Re: Tonight's. Game
dick g 03 September, 2017 08:27
Quote:
Falcons_Thunder
I think people are getting a bit carried away with the win over a poor Worcester. If are wanting g to progress to top six we should be beating teams like Worcester hands down. It'll be interesting to see next weeks game away to Sale.
We did beat Worcester hands down. However, I agree that we have yet to be fully tested. London Irish will be interesting. They look pretty solid.

Re: Tonight's. Game
NorfolkFalcon 03 September, 2017 08:30
Sale showed up pretty well at Wasps and Saracens speak for themselves. The next two games will tell us more about where we are.

Re: Tonight's. Game
mannin 03 September, 2017 10:09
I don't think anything will tell us where we are to be honest. This seasons Premiership will throw up shock after shock and at different points in the season, any team could beat any other. I'd have put a few quid on Exeter and Quins this weekend...

Re: Tonight's. Game
Sixways Cheryl 03 September, 2017 12:48
Quote:
GeordieFalcon
So it was only because Worcester played badly that the falcons won?
Oh dear Lord you wuss fans have such high opinions of your team....

I wouldn't put it like that, but like I've said on our board it seemed like the season came a week or two too early for us whereas you were ready to go from the off. Give us another week & I'm sure we'd be able to do a lot more with the possession & territory that we had.

See you at Sixways.

Re: Tonight's. Game
Kwa444 03 September, 2017 15:40
I have been surprised at the disparity in some of the weekends scores. Some big wins, although it appears all defences have been a bit shaky. Only to be expected on the defence side, but not normally so many high scores.


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