FALCONS 14 SAINTS 32

We haven't made as many away matches this year.  Couple of reasons behind that.  But when we saw the New Year game was at the Falcons, and with the thought that they are looking likely for relegation so this might be a limited opportunity to visit their ground, it seemed that a trip was needed.  We did have a minor problem when they changed the date from New Years Day to New Years Eve, but I sweet talked the hotel to changing the nigh of our booking (and also got upgraded, thank you Novotel).  We drove up and arrived in good time, giving us a chance to pop into the club shop and buy our pin badges then go on to a local pub (Two Farms) which served very good food, good beer, and had good company of a mixture of both Falcons and Saints supporters.  Then to the match.

The first half was error strewn by the Saints.  Despite opening the scoring with a try in the 9th minute, scored by Fodes touching down a loveley grubber kick from Easy, the Saints continued to make heavy going.  Especially when they let the falcons in for a try.  At half time it still felt that it could go either way.  Then when Jimmy Gopperth kicked over another penalty I was seriously concerned.  However the next score came from Fodes, this time after a grubber kick from Lamby.  The Saints heads were up and they pushed on.  Literally, with Tiny being driven over for the next try.  Three tries in and the Saints were now looking comfortable.

Tom May wrapped up the bonus point with the fourth try within a minute of coming on, finally capitalising on some nice work between Fodes and Vaseline.  He got some stick from the Falcons crowd, and not all of it good natured, surprising when considering all that he did for the club.  He was genuinely upset but I am pleased to say many supporters have apologised to him.