POWELL RELISHING SARACENS RETURN

Wednesday 30 October 2013 Written by: Adam


Powell, 26, scored what proved to be the match winning try during the Falcons’ slender 13-11 victory over London Irish at Kingston Park last weekend, a result which has propelled the northeasterners into eighth place, two points behind Conor O’Shea’s Harlequins.

And the ex-Sarries man is expecting his side to kick-on at Allianz Park this weekend against the Premiership table-toppers.

“I actually think our performances have been disappointing this season, and I don’t think we’ve got anywhere near to putting in the sort of performances that we expect of ourselves,” said Powell.

“The win against London Irish was probably our worst performance of the season, but we got the result and it just shows the resilience that we have in the squad at the moment.

“We dug in there and held onto the win, and the wind came to our rescue at the end with that kick,” he added.

Powell made 135 appearances for the north London club over eight seasons, and returns to his former employers with a Falcons outfit brimming with confidence after picking up three wins and a losing bonus point from their first six games of the campaign.

However, the Essex-born centre is under no illusions at the task ahead, saying: “They’ve got a very good team with a lot of strength in depth. It’s going to be a massive challenge for us, but playing these games is exactly why we wanted to get back into the Premiership.

“Sunday is a great opportunity for the lads to show what they can do on the big stage.”

In preparation for this weekend’s contest on the 4G pitch, the Falcons have been using Druid Park to get a feel for the surface. Powell believes the 4G surface is the way forward for Premiership rugby, with the turgid winter just around the corner.

“I really like playing on the surface, and I think it’s the future of rugby especially when the pitches get really boggy over the next couple of months,” said Powell.

“Allianz Park is an immaculate playing surface and the boys are going to enjoy playing down there at the weekend,” added Powell.

The Falcons next home game is in the LV= Cup against London Irish on Sunday 10 November with tickets still available by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060 or [click here][1] to purchase online.

[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2565