Goode makes Falcons bow in Aviva A League
Andy Goode will make his first appearance Newcastle Falcons this evening as the A team take on Leicester Tigers A at Kingston Park (KO 7pm)
The vastly experienced fly half takes the 10 shirt after joining the club on a three month contract at the end of December and is part of a team that comprises a mix of burgeoning young talent and established campaigners.
That is nowhere more evident by Goode’s starting halfback partner for the evening, 18 year old Ruardih Dawson, who has already enjoyed débuts in both the Aviva Premiership and the European Rugby Challenge Cup in his first season as a member of the club’s senior academy.
Taking places in a back-line that the half-backs will hope to unleash, Brett Connon switches from the fly half position he ably played in against Sale Jets last time out, to his more accustomed role of fullback.
Connon’s return to 15 sees Zach Kibirige move out to the left wing while Giamba Venditti lines up on the right, from where he provided an abrasive attacking threat against the Jets.
Tom Penny makes a welcome return after recovering from the strain he suffered during the warm up for the ERCC match against Connacht in Galway, taking the outside centre berth and forming a new look partnership with Tom Catterick.
In the front row, Ben Harris, Rob Hawkins and Alex Rogers take the starting positions while Calum Green and Mouritz Botha are the starting second rows.
In the back row, Richard Mayhew takes up position on the Blindside flank, from where he captains the team for the evening, while Dan Temm will be eager to repeat the kind of live wire performances he has delivered in European action so far this season.
The pack is completed by American international Todd Clever who’s powerful bursts from breakdowns and set pieces gave plenty of go forward and earned valuable field position against Sale.
On the bench, Santiago Socino, Eric Fry and Andrew Foster are the front row replacements, while Will Witty and Callum Chick are again poised and ready to provide options in the second and back rows if required.
New signing Jamie Booth is also in line to make his first appearance for the club after joining alongside Goode, as he takes to the bench in the number 21 shirt.
Completing the matchday squad, young tyros Adam Redman and Dan Marshall are set for further valuable experience.
Tonight’s game is open to spectators, free of charge, with entry via the Tap & Tackle into the East Stand seats and terrace.
**Newcastle Falcons A
V Leicester Tigers A – 4/1/2016 – KO 7pm**
15 Brett Connon, 14 Giamba Venditti, 13 Tom Penny, 12 Tom Catterick, 11 Zach Kibirige, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Ruaridh Dawson, 1 Ben Harris, 2 Rob Hawkins, 3 Alex Rogers, 4 Calum Green, 5 Mouritz Botha, 6 Richard Mayhew ( C ) 7 Daniel Temm, 8 Todd Clever
Replacements – Santiago Socino, Eric Fry, Andrew Foster, Will Witty, Callum Chick, Jamie Booth, Adam Redman, Dan Marshall.
