Witty backs Falcons to return to winning ways
The Falcons have won their last five games on home soil but saw their four-game unbeaten run in the league ended last weekend at European champions Saracens, Witty stressing the Allianz Park loss was no more than speed bump in an otherwise fruitful campaign.
“It was a disappointing result because we went down there wanting and expecting to win, as we do with any game, but we’ve taken a lot of learning from it and are looking to bounce back against Bath,” said the Yorkshireman, who packs down in the second row on Friday alongside Calum Green.
“Saracens are obviously a tough team to play against, but then so are every team at this level. There’s never an easy game to come back into, I’d missed a couple with my knee but I just wanted to get back out there.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence as a team, as we should do, and I don’t think one defeat is going to knock us. We’ve won a lot of games this season, we’ve improved on where we were and I don’t get the sense that our mood has been dented in any major way by one defeat against a very good side.”
Up against a Bath team who were beaten by the Falcons in a 33-32 thriller at The Rec back in September, Witty said: “Bath are a good side, they’ll be tough to play against but we’ve had a look and we know what we need to do.
“First things first we have to get our set-piece right and beat them in the up-front battle, and with the back line we have we will be able to score some tries if we make space for them and get them the ball. I’m sure we’ll do that.
“Whoever they put out we’ll challenge them up-front, I couldn’t really care what their names are to be honest with you, so whoever it is we’ll take them on. Obviously we respect them as a side but we’re not fussed about big names or reputations. I don’t think you can be at this level, you’ve just got to try and beat whoever’s up against you and it doesn’t matter who they are.”
Hopeful of a big crowd as the Falcons aim to extend their unbeaten home run past the three-month mark, Witty added: “I think the boys enjoy playing here on a Friday night – I know I certainly do – because it’s a really good atmosphere.
“Hopefully we can put on a good performance to reward the fans who are coming down to watch us, they support us in allsorts of weather and it’d be good to warm them up with a win on Friday.”
Tickets for Friday’s game are available by calling 0871 226 6060 or [**clicking here**][1].
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1285
