Long Road North


By Behind the Bench
December 24 2014

Saracens face the longest journey of the year on Saturday as they face a Falcons side in a lowly tenth spot, but in relatively good form since their long winless run finally came to an end with a crucial away win at London Welsh.

Set to be backed by their largest crowd since their return to the Aviva Premiership at the start of last season, the installation of an artificial pitch (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (!)) and changes to kick off times point to a long awaited renaissance at the North East club. Hopefully, with some World Cup games scheduled for Newcastle’s St James’s Park, the game will continue to grow, and provides even more encouragement to a club whose academy is clearly bearing considerable fruit already
 
On the pitch, the campaign got off to a four match losing start, beginning with a 36-17 loss at Leicester Tigers despite second half tries from Richard Mayhew and former Saracens Andy Saull, and the Falcons scored three more tries in their 20-18 home defeat to London Irish, through Josh Furno, Mark Wilson and Sinoti Sinoti, but the hosts couldn’t force the draw as the last gasp conversion clattered the post. The visit of Northampton Saints saw a 35-10 loss, as another former Saracen, Noah Cato claimed a late try for the hosts, and they went down 35-18 at Wasps despite a competitive performance featuring a try from Ruki Tipuna and a penalty try.
 
However, Newcastle’s improved potency in attack, and competitiveness in defence and the set piece, finally paid dividends in an October which brought four wins from four. A superb late show brought a 29-24 home win over Exeter Chiefs, featuring touchdowns from Sinoti, Tom Catterick and Cato, and one success brought two, as they claimed a vital 23-3 win at London Welsh. Into the European Rugby Challenge Cup, and a modified side put on another free-flowing show, scoring seven tries in a 43-19 win against Bucharest Wolves, backing this up with a 30-26 win at Newport Gwent Dragons, through Lee Smith, Wilson and Will Witty. The LV= Cup proved to be a different story, as they lost at Northampton Saints, and were edged out by a point at home to Cardiff Blues.
 
Back in the Premiership, they were unlucky to leave the Rec empty handed, as they lost 23-14 to a late Bath try, but back in the North East, did overcome Gloucester 20-10. Sinoti got the hosts’ only try after the visitors went ahead inside the opening minute. They were narrowly beaten in their next game at home to Sale, but claimed a bonus point 30-23 home win over Stade Francais, collecting a losing away bonus point in Paris to maintain their European challenge. A narrow 15-7 loss at Harlequins brings the story up to date, as Alesana Tuilagi got the only try of the match.
 
That defeat saw Academy player Simon Hammersley at full back, with Sinoti, and his fellow Samon international Alesana Tuilagi on the wings. The centre combination featured another ex Saracen, Adam Powell, in his second full season at the club, with Argentina Juan Pablo Socino, the reigning Championship player of the season after featuring for Rotherham last year. Completing the backs were Academy graduate fly half Tom Catterick with Scotland stalwart Mike Blair at scrum half. In the forwards, Rob Vickers, George McGuigan and England under 20 Scott Wilson made up the front row, whilst former Leeds duo Calum Green and Dom Barrow formed the second row, with academy products Mark Wilson and captain Will Welch filling the flanker roles. Scottish international Ally Hogg filled the number 8 slot.
 
Given the quality of squad, blending home grown talent with shrewd signings of experience, the recent upturn in results is no surprise. The stereotypical tight Friday night games, played in poor conditions, and with tries at a premium, have largely gone, with a more free-flowing game yielding dividends in results and support. With Saracens’ experience on an artificial pitch, it should be an intriguing game, which they should just edge as per previous visits, but not by much, and some of the first teamers rested last week should probably come back into the fray, so Alex Goode, David Strettle and Jamie George could make returns subject to fitness.

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Long Road North
Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 24/12/2014 12:38
TheSaracens.com
24/12/2014 12:38
Thanks yet again to BTB. Now it's back to stuffing the turkey for me!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:01:06:19:46:25 by Darraghgirl.

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The Bard
24/12/2014 13:53
Another excellent piece, thanks.
Perhaps 'Howay In A Manger' would have been a suitable title for an xmas game in Newcastle...
It will be a very tough afternoon up there, even allowing for the pitch not being a factor. But a game we simply have to win to keep Bath and saints in our sights.
Will be interesting to see if Ernie keeps his starting slot after an excellent showing last Saturday.

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Seany_Boy0511
27/12/2014 12:17
A really good insight to the performance of the Falcons this Season hopefully the snow holds off and we play with the same intensity as last week and hopefully another 5 points smiling smiley for those going or whoare already there enjoy the game and a few festive pints!

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King Zak
28/12/2014 23:17
Quote:
Seany_Boy0511
enjoy the game and a few festive pints!

Mission accomplished! (Sm63)

Nous sommes l'armée noir et rouge !

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