Work still to do, says Ward
The result continued the Falcons’ unbeaten pre-season run, Ward stating afterwards: “We started alright, and when we stuck to our systems and did what we talked about we were dangerous.
“But it also highlighted that if we don’t stick to our systems we can be undone, and the lesson is that things are working when we implement what we are doing in training. It’s about hammering our basics and keep doing things right.
“The biggest area for improvement is just being more clinical when we get the opportunity, because we did miss some chances. When we’re playing against Worcester in the Aviva Premiership in two weeks’ time we’ve got to be taking those, because we might not get the chance again. We have to be spot-on, but there was plenty of good play out there.”
Pleased by the contribution of his former Blaydon protégé Trevor Davison, among others, Ward said: “Trevor moved from tight-head last week to loose-head this week, and I thought he did well. He’s more comfortable there and it was good to see him having a bit of Blaydon rivalry against Andrew Foster during the second half.
“Adam Radwan scored two good tries and looked sharp, he has got good feet and he is going to be dangerous this year if we can get him the ball in space. If he can finish things off like he did today then it will be ideal for us, because he’s a big threat.”
Moving into a busy week which sees the Falcons playing two matches in as many days, Ward added: “We’ve got two good games coming up this weekend, with Edinburgh on Friday in Melrose and then Doncaster away the day after.
“It means training will be competitive, everyone knows there’s still places up for grabs for the Worcester game and it’s a chance for everyone to show us what they can do. Edinburgh got beat by Sale on Friday but they are a handful, and we know what Doncaster are like because we only played them a week ago.”
Newcastle Falcons’ next home game is the Aviva Premiership opener against Worcester Warriors on Friday September 1 (kick-off 7.45pm). To book call 0871 226 6060 or [**click here**.][1].
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=3128
