Richards: We felt we deserved something
A try with the last play of the game denied them the bonus point in a match during which they led 17-3 at one stage, the director of rugby saying: “We’re really disappointed to be going home with nothing.
“Our intensity was there from the start, we came here to win, and even when it became apparent that wasn’t going to happen we were determined to still take something from it in the form of a bonus point.
“That was taken away from us right at the end, which was really disappointing, but I thought the boys gave a good showing of themselves.”
Leading through tries by debutant Mike Brown and centre Ben Stevenson, Richards said: “But for a few bounces of the ball or a few refereeing decisions we’d have been going up the road with something, but it wasn’t to be.
“We took our opportunities well in the first half – I thought Ben Stevenson’s try was incredibly well-finished – and everything seemed to be falling into our lap at that stage.
“The momentum turned and the referee seemed to get on our back, so for us it’s just about being streetwise and understanding how to change that perception.
“We didn’t quite do that, Owen Farrell was in his ear the whole time and that changed the momentum of the game.”
Crediting the eventual victors, Richards added: “Saracens have a very simple game plan, and when they execute it well they’re a really good side.
“They went off-script a few times in the first half and we were able to capitalise on that, but they came back into the game and it wasn’t to be.”
Newcastle Falcons’ next game is on Saturday October 16 when Bristol Bears are the visitors to Kingston Park Stadium. Tickets for the 3pm Gallagher Premiership kick-off are on sale now by [**clicking here**][1].
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1652
