Deano delight at Rec raid
Two tries from Gary Graham and one from Ben Stevenson were enough to send the Northeasterners back up the motorway with four points, Richards declaring himself largely happy with how they went about their task.
“The thing you can’t be at this level, when you’re facing superstars, is disorganised,” said the Falcons boss.
“It’s important that we have that clinical edge to us, and that we’re relentless in what we do.
“We said before the game that when we go out today, even if they score first, just keep on going. I thought our approach in that aspect was good.”
Having gone through last season unbeaten before a prolonged period without a match, Richards said: “We’ve gone eight and a half months without a competitive game, and our battle-hardness was always going to be a little lacking as a result.
“We had two run-outs against an Ealing team who would give most top-flight sides a good game, but getting that Premiership hardness into you takes a few more matches than we’ve had.
“We were at a disadvantage in that regard, but we knew that, and we just said whatever happens on the day let’s give ourselves a chance by keeping our organisation.”
Refusing to go overboard despite his side defying external expectations, he added: “We actually left three or four tries out there and missed quite a few more points with the boot, so in a strange sort of way the boys are actually a bit disappointed.
“We caught Bath cold a little bit, and I’m sure they’ll be back better next week as a result of this game, but for us it’s a short turnaround as we prepare to host Sale Sharks on Friday.
“Sale are a very good side, they’re rightly regarded as one of the title favourites and we’re just totally focused on that now.”
