Falcons chairman Dave Thompson has revealed that the club is finally on top of the drainage issues which have affected the Kingston Park pitch so badly this season.

Having endured a soaking winter which has led to the pitch suffering more than ever before, Thompson said: “This has been building up for several years, but has only come to a head this season because of the torrential rain we have suffered over the past few months.

“Having dug deep down into the perimeter of the pitch we have unearthed some major drainage issues, which have basically meant that that water hasn’t been draining away properly, leading to a much higher water table underneath the playing surface.

“Whilst we will have to wait until the end of the season to get the pitch up and put in a proper long-term solution, we have at least been able to take some temporary measures which should have some effect between now and the end of the season.”

Insisting that nobody at the club is blaming the pitch for results, Thompson said: “At the end of the day it’s the same for both sides, and many clubs have struggled this season with the bad winter and the sheer amount of water that has been around.

“Nobody here is using the drainage issues as an excuse for losing games, and it is obviously down to the team to adapt to whatever conditions they face on a weekly basis.

“But we all want to see fast attacking and ultimately winning rugby on a good surface at Kingston Park, and the recent breakthrough should help us along in that goal as we prepare for next season.

“I can fully understand our fans’ frustration, but we have now at least identified the problem and implemented an effective plan of action.”

Tickets for Sunday’s Guinness Premiership game against Bath are still available by calling 0871 226 60 60, or from Kingston Park on the day.