Young signals Anglo-Welsh Cup intent
Only the four pool winners progress through to the semi-finals of the competition, Newcastle and Leicester Tigers currently tied on 10 points at the top of Pool 4 with the Falcons enjoying a superior tries-scored and points differential.
Gloucester are also in with a shout of semi-final qualification from their own group depending on results elsewhere, and Young is braced for a comprehensive test against a Cherry and Whites side who were 29-7 winners when they visited Kingston Park in October’s Aviva Premiership assignment.
“Gloucester showed last weekend against Ospreys that they’re putting out a strong team in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, they’re taking it seriously and it will be a tough affair,” said the 23-year-old.
“With the team we’re putting out it will be a good game between the two, and we’re also keen to repay them for the job they did on us here in the league earlier in the season. We owe them one for that.”
Well aware of the permutations which could come into play in a weekend which sees fellow semi-final contenders Leicester Tigers heading to Wasps on Sunday, Young said: “We know we need to win this game, and realistically we’ll probably need a bonus point as well.
“Winning in itself won’t be easy because Gloucester are a good side, but we’re a team who like to play, and I’d be lying if I said a four-try bonus point wasn’t in our thoughts. We’re always aspiring to get that, we realise it will be difficult against a strong team but we’re bringing an attacking style to the game.”
Set to make his 14th appearance in the Kingston Park clash, the former Scotland Under-20s cap said: “The cup games are great for guys like myself to come in and get some game time, and hopefully try to press a claim for when the league matches come around. It’s the opportunity for a lot of us to show what we can do, and from the club’s point of view to try and close in on some silverware.
“There’s a lot of competition in the second row with the players we have here, but I see that as a good thing. It pushes the team on, standards are being driven up and we’re putting ourselves in a good place. The lads are all very supportive of each other even though we’re going for the same spots, and our line-out coach Scott MacLeod is someone you can really learn a lot from.
“I’ve been here for a few years now, Dean Richards and the coaching staff have built a really good squad during that time and the morale around the place is outstanding. That comes naturally when you’re winning games, and we feel like we’re heading in the right direction as a club.”
Hitting a bump in the road during last weekend’s loss at Bath, their first defeat in two months, Young added: “In the first half we fronted up defensively, but we were guilty of not taking our opportunities in attack.
“There were definitely positives to take from the game, a lot of work has gone into rectifying the negative parts of the game and we feel like we’re in good shape heading into the weekend.”
Tickets for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off against Gloucester are available by [**clicking here**][1] or calling 0871 226 6060.
Season ticket members are reminded that this game is included as part of their package, with season parking passes also valid.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1323
