Bates: Pack played crucial role in Falcons win

Apr 1 2010 by Nick Purewal, The Journal

HAILING his resurgent Newcastle Falcons, Steve Bates paid tribute to his pack and his midfield for last night’s Gloucester victory.

Tipping his cap to the performances of back-rower Ed Williamson, Brent Wilson and lock Mark Sorenson, Bates said his men were good value for the vital win.

After Sunday’s shocking 58-15 Saracens defeat, Bates said the players needed no motivating for this vital midweek clash.

And he said they will head to London for Saturday’s Harlequins clash brimming with confidence after a deserved win and a vastly-improved performance.

“We bossed the set-piece,” said Bates, “and once the pack settled down and got on the front foot up front they realised they could cause some damage.

“Once they saw they could get a bit of joy from carrying directly and physically up front they kept persevering with that, and that was something that proved useful.

“James Hudson and Tim Swinson have pretty much played every game of the season, and they played 80minutes down at Saracens too.

“So we felt it was a good chance to mix things up and move Mark Sorenson and Ed Williamson back into the starting line-up. And I thought Ed was outstanding; we asked him to be a leader and to provide his usual physicality, and he made a big impact.

“Soz and Josh Afu bossed the lineout and overall the pack put in a great shift. Jimmy was outstanding off the tee and out of hand with his kicking, and I felt he marshalled the game well.

“Our centres caused them a lot of trouble too, and I thought Tane had his best game for a good while.

“We could have kicked a little more than we did, and at times we were a bit edgy, but once we settled into the game we made a lot of trouble for them.”