Falcons getting down to business

Mar 16 2010 by Nick Purewal, The Journal

DEMANDING a return to form, Steve Bates has told his Newcastle Falcons to set the perfect tone for their three-game week as they get back to hard graft.

Calling for a marked improvement after their frustrating March 7, 17-13 Bath defeat, Falcons rugby director Bates welcomed his players back to training yesterday after a week’s rest.

Gearing up for their toughest week of the season when they travel to Saracens and Harlequins – and now face Gloucester at home in between – Bates has called for redoubled training ground effort in a bid to shake off the recent slump.

Refreshed after their break, Bates will wind up the intensity for his players this week before focusing on the trio of contests that follow in the immediate run-up to those vital Guinness Premiership clashes.

Gloucester’s LV Cup semi-final victory over Cardiff on Sunday put paid to Newcastle hosting the Cherry and Whites at Kingston Park this coming Sunday, because Bryan Redpath’s men now face Northampton in the Anglo-Welsh final at Sixways.

All that means the Falcons will finally entertain Gloucester in this twice-rearranged Premiership contest on Wednesday, March 31 (kick-off 8pm), sandwiching two trips to Greater London and stacking up three games in seven days.

The Falcons square up to Saracens at Vicarage Road on Sunday, March 28 (kick-off 3pm) before heading south again for their Harlequins clash at The Stoop on Saturday, April 3 (kick-off 3pm).

Pleased with the renewed enthusiasm on his players’ return, former Wasps and England scrum-half Bates has called for the squad to power through the next 12 days’ preparation at top level, to set the platform for their unenviable seven days again.