Bonus point no consolation for Deano
A late penalty from Billy Twelvetrees sealed the result, Richards saying afterwards: “It was a disappointing afternoon.
“I felt we could and should have come away with something but you’ve got to take your hat off to Gloucester, who are a good side.
“It was one of those games which could have gone either way, but unfortunately went to them by three points.”
Paying the penalty with referee Karl Dickson awarding the decisive kick, the Falcons boss added: “On the whole we didn’t help ourselves by getting on the wrong side of the referee, and that was purely down to us not adapting to how he was officiating.
“As a consequence that cost us a couple of penalties, which ultimately proved the difference.
“There was a huge amount of endeavour from the boys, and you can’t question that. They played their hearts out and they’re very disappointed in the changing room, but we’ll put it right at Bristol next weekend.”
