Mark Laycock insisted Newcastle Falcons will have learned plenty from their first competitive trip to South Africa despite tasting a 35-13 defeat to Emirates Lions.

Having spent the week in Johannesburg and with his young charges playing at the iconic Ellis Park, Laycock admitted the disappointment of Saturday’s defeat could be marginally tempered with the valuable experience gained from the trip.

Speaking after the EPCR Challenge Cup game, he said: “I can’t fault the boys, because their effort and endeavour has been outstanding.

“They’ve really bought into the week and into what we as coaches were asking them to do, and in terms of our game plan I thought they stuck to it really well.

“Going down to 13 men before half time was difficult with having two guys in the sin bin, but at 60 minutes being 21-13 down we felt we had a genuine chance.

“Unfortunately we weren’t able to capitalise during the last 20 minutes and the Lions are a side who always finish strongly, so fair play to them.”

Crediting the hosts for their win and also seeing promise in what his side produced, Laycock said: “The Lions took their chances really well, and ultimately that’s the difference.

“Despite the defeat the lads will have learned a lot from the game and the week as a whole, with a number of them putting in fantastic performances.

“I thought Tim Cardall did a great job in the second row, Josh Bainbridge has led the team well all week and a lot of guys really put their hand up for selection over the coming weeks.”

Newcastle’s next assignment comes on Friday night when they host Bristol Bears in Gallagher Premiership action.

Click here to buy tickets for the 7.45pm kick-off at Kingston Park.

Photo c/o of Steve Haag Sports