Newcastle Falcons 2013/2014

First topic message reminder :

Manager: Dean Richards
Head Coach: Peter Russell (Leaving at the end of the season)
Forwards Coach: John Wells
Defence Coach: Graham Steadman
 
Current Squad: Underlined are new signings coming in the summer 2014
 
Forwards
Props: Grant Shiels, Oliver Tomasczyk, Keiron Brookes, Scott Wilson, Jeff Hallam, Rob Vickers , Eric Fry
Hookers: Matt Thompson, Scott Lawson, George McGuigan, David Nelson, Rob Hawkins
Second Rows:Scott MacLeod, Sean Tomes, Frasier McKensie, Dom Barrow, Callum Green  
Back Row:Ally Hogg, Will Welch, Richard Mayhew, Andy Saull, Mark Wilson, Chris York, Ben Morris, Semisi Taulava

Backs
SH's: Chris Pilrgrim (Signed for Leeds), Warren Fury, Mike Blair, Andy Davies, Ruki Tipuna
Fh's: Joel Hodgson, Rory Clegg, Phil Godman, Craig Willis 
Centres: Juan Pablo Socino, Jamie Helleur, James Fitzpatrick (Signed for Leeds), Alex Crocket, Adam Powell, Danny Barnes, Gonzalo Tiesi, Chris Harris  
Wing: Ryan Shortland, Noah Cato, Zac Kibirige, Sinoti Sinoti, Sean Brown, Tom Penny, Lee Smith
FB's: Tom Catterick, Alex Tait, Simon Hammersley

Out of contract Summer 2014:
Grant Shiells  
Oliver Tomaszczyk  
Gary Strain
Sean Tomes  
Ian Nagle (Trial till end of season)
Harry Spencer (Trial till end of season)
Chris York
Warren Fury  
Joel Hodgson  
Alex Crockett  
Ryan Shortland

Ozzy3213 wrote:Hala'ufia is more than just a ball carrier.  He is a big player for us, the main issue with him being ensuring that he gets on the pitch more often than not.

Indeed. Despite the conception of him, injuries rather than suspensions were his issue last year.

He's certainly more than a carrier, he's a liability!

Hogg has been immense for a few seasons now, very good player.

Was he not your 8 when you went down?

Yea, he was one of the only performing players under Tait.

Under Gold we were a top 6 side.

Will Welch is better than all of them...and Ben Morris will surpass even him...

Do you reckon? I've never seen Morris play, hope he is as good as you are saying!

Yes regarding Will Welch...but no Morris has potential...we shall see how he goes. Wouldn't like to say how good he'll be really...

I really like Welch GF but I don't think he's fulfilling his early hype(something that happens a lot).

I don't think he stood out at Champ level behind a front 5 that often dominated, that's worrying. He's an open side that's not overly great on the deck and not overly physical.

Hogg proved to be our main threat at the breakdown through the season I thought and Wilson the more physical of the flanks.

I do like Welch but I'm not sure if he'll fit in as first choice next season.

Sarge, Wilson is one of my favourite falcons players...I think he is absolutely class.

Wilson has the makings of a very good 6, bit more bulk and he'll be fantastic.

Yeah he just needs a few more pounds on him...

Not lost a game in the 7's yet, do you think we need to give up on this 15's lark and concentrate on the more important form of the game?  

Hodgson looks a lot more physical than the last time I saw him (wouldn't be difficult though) and I would really like him to get some game time this season.

Just seen the games mate. A few impressive performers...big Harrison Collins looked useful as did Ben Morris. Catterick and Hodgson pulling the strings.

Rory Lawson retires

"chronic wrist injury"

  

That's a shock.

Can't say I'm overly disappointed from a Falcons point of view, he struggled for form last season and we have massive depth at scrum half. I imagine it'll free up a fair chunk of salary for our next purchase......

Always sad when a player retires though.

Its often easy to be grandiose when reflecting on a retired player. I was often very critical of Lawson during his time at Glaws due to his lack of ability to run with the ball or create quick ball. Nevertheless, there have been few scrum halves who have offered a better defensive option than him. Some of his cover tackles were a joy to behold and you could never question his commitment. I wish him luck in whatever he goes on to do.

I think this has been expected for a while...why else would we have had 4 scrum halves...Blair, Pilgrim and Fury

Smithy has tweeted that a 'former international' has signed for Falcons and is set to be unveiled tomorrow.  I wonder who it is,  my money is on a loosehead.

Is it the lad from Welsh, Montanella?

http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/m/news/story/falcons-land-french-prop

Not sure, the tweet from a couple of hours ago said:

'Which former international has just signed for newcastle falcons? Revealed in tomorrow's journal & chron. No hints'

Now this is a good signing...very happy.

Shiels, Montanella, Lobo, Hallam - Id settle for these..

I don't think Montanella has a cap, this was released a few days ago too.

Good scrummager though, canny signing.

Edit: he has 1 cap for France.

This is the type of signing Deano loves.

An experienced guy who does the basics of his role very well. Ie He will scrummage till he cant move no more...and proved very good last season. We are getting sorted in the front row.
It will be interesting watching Lobo for Argentina in the Championship...if he performs...we'll have some battle for that LH spot.

Interesting watching his little highlights reel on youtube.

He tends to lose the hit but then just smashes his opp number with power and technique, often driving him up out of the scrum. Could be great next season with the rule changes.

21-21 Draw with Bath in France...but both teams look pretty shy of their first choicers...

Newcastle Falcons: T Catterick, A Higgins, M Tait, A Crockett, S Brown, J Hodgson, C Pilgrim; G Strain, M Thompson, S Wilson, S Tomes, F McKenzie, R Mayhew, W Welch (captain), C York.

Replacements: M Blair, C del Fava, M Tait, S MacLeod, P Godman, R Shortland, N Cato, O Tomaszczyk, R Vickers, S Lawson, D Barnes, J Helleur, A Tait, A Hogg, D Barrow.

Falcons scorers – Tries: R Shortland 2, N Cato. Conversions: P Godman 3.

Bath: A Watson, S Rokoduguni, M Banahan, O Devoto, T Biggs, T Heathcote, P Stringer; N Catt, R Batty, A Perenise, S Hooper, M Garvey, W Skuse, G Mercer, L Houston.

Replacements: T Dunn, P James,K Palma-Newport, D Day, W Spencer,D Sisi, M Gilbert, N Koster, M Roberts, M Young, C Cook, A Fa’osiliva.

Bath scorers – Tries: A Perenise, A Watson, M Banahan. Conversions: T Heathcote 2 O Devoto.

Good showing really, that's a slightly stronger Bath side on paper I think.

Yeah i guess Sarge..i like our back row mind.

Didnt realise Gary Strain was still with us.

Newcastle A team run out v Leeds tonight at Darlington.
Nice youthful team with many of the academy lads whove just signed professional terms in the summer.

Newcastle Falcons: 15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Tom Penny, 13 Michael Tait, 12 Chris Harris, 11 Sean Brown, 10 Craig Willis, 9 Andy Davies, 1 James Hallam, 2 George McGuigan, 3 Aston Whitlow, 4 Glen Young, 5 Josh Hedley, 6 Harrison Collins, 7 Ben Morris, 8 Chris York (c)

Replacements: 16 David Nelson, 17 Sam White, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Will Witty, 20 Ollie Hodgson, 21 Nick Cairns, 22 Luke Wilson, 23 Tom Small

I'd have loved to have gone along to that one, looks a real talented side

Yeah i agree mate...if it had been up here i would have went to see what the new breed coming through have got.

Interesting that York is in there...maybe his 1st team chances may be restricted this season...or they're trying to get him match fit.

I suspect the latter GF, he's a real talent but needs a good run of games. I still think there's a role for him with Hogg at 6/8, will give us a real dynamic backrow as York is very quick.

6. Hogg
7. Saull
8. York

Is a seriously quick trio

Yeah it certainly is. Actually i think our back row options are particularly strong.

Im a huge fan of Mark Wilson at 6. Just needs a few pounds on him to potentially challenge for a saxons spot if he continues his form from last season.

Then theres Saull v Welch at 7...and coming through rapidly is young Ben Morris who is getting rave reviews.
And after watching that 7's competition Harrison Collins who starts at 6 tonight looks another big mobile back rower.

Hammersley caught my eye, looks a classy runner in the Ben Smith mould

Yes he does...and i keep hearing lots about this Sean Brown...but havent seen much of him yet...

Falcons won 36-20:

http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/news/story/newcastle-falcons-u23-36-20-leeds-carnegie-u23

Newcastle Falcons’ second string warmed up for the start of the Aviva A League with a 36-20 victory over Leeds Carnegie Under-23s at The Darlington Arena.

Tries from George McGuigan, Tom Penny, Nick Cairns, Sean Brown, Harrison Collins and Sam White were enough to overcome the Yorkshiremen in this frenetic of affairs at the home of National Division Two North outfit Darlington Mowden Park.

Fresh from his exploits with Ireland at the Junior World Championships in France earlier this summer, McGuigan announced his return to the Falcons fold with a try five minutes into the contest following an infringement at the scrum. The Falcons were awarded a free-kick after Leeds were penalised for early engagement at the scrum, and McGuigan was on hand to finish Simon Hammersley’s run.

The opening score came after the game was sadly marred by a serious injury to Leeds centre Joe Nellany with the match taking a ten minute pause as a result.

Leeds responded almost immediately through Alex Lozowski, who slipped through his marker to score under the posts for a converted try.

While the scoring action then took a short break, the game continued to enthral with both sides making a series of breaks. Newcastle’s endeavour in attack earned a penalty midway through the first-half after Leeds were adjudged to have been over the top at a ruck following a marauding run by Harrison Collins.

As is so often the case in pre-season games, the Falcons spurned the chance of three points, instead drilling the ball deep into Leeds’ 22. From the resulting line-out, the ball was worked into the midfield and carted forward by loose-head James Hallam, before heading back towards the far touchline for McGuigan to feed Tom Penny on the charge for a try in the near corner. Penny’s audacious touchline conversion made it 12-7 to the Falcons.

With the narrowest of advantages, the Falcons lead was short-lived when the visitors slotted home two quick-fire penalties to edge themselves 13-12 in front.

The Falcons ended the half on the attack with two penalties kicked into touch to pile on the pressure in search of a five point score. A desperate Carnegie rear-guard ensured they had the slenderest of leads going into the break.    

In the opening stages of the second period the visitors went close to an early score through winger Lewis Jones, who latched on to Will Cargill’s grubber kick only to be thwarted by Falcons scrum-half Andy Davies five metres from the line.

Turning the screw on Carnegie, the Falcons surged into the lead after excellent work at a line-out deep inside Leeds’ territory. Harrison Collins was on the end of a driven line-out to put the hosts in the box seat at 19-13.

As was the case in the first-half Leeds underlined their resilience, scoring five minutes later from a five metre scrum courtesy of Jared Williams. Lozowski added the extras to put his side 20-19 up.  

The Falcons introduced some fresh faces to the contest and they were now starting to assert their authority on proceedings with the northeasterners now playing an expansive game. Talented winger Sean Brown excited the 200 strong crowd with a series of bursts into the opposition half.

And after a combination of a solid defence and a patient attack, the Falcons were back in the ascendancy when Cairns used his pace to bulldoze his way over the line.

With just under 10 minutes left on the clock Cairns got outside his man before offloading to Billingham-based Luke Wilson. The 17-year-old’s nimble hands set-up Brown in the far corner to extend the gap to 31-20.

The Falcons were not done there just yet, and they saved their best for last with Ollie Hodgsson the catalyst for a great team try. From a scrum just inside Newcastle’s half, Hodgson played a slick one two with Brown, who in turn drew his man to offload to Davies. Davies demonstrated assurance and composure in abundance, similar to what he showed during the J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s, to find onrushing Tynedale prop White, who powered through like a raging bull from 30-metres out.  

Newcastle Falcons: 15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Tom Penny, 13 Michael Tait, 12 Chris Harris, 11 Sean Brown, 10 Craig Willis, 9 Andy Davies, 1 James Hallam, 2 George McGuigan, 3 Aston Whitlow, 4 Glen Young, 5 Josh Hedley, 6 Ollie Hodgson, 7 Chris York (c), 8 Harrison Collins

Replacements: 16 David Nelson, 17 Sam White, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Will Witty, 20 Nick Cairns, 21 Luke Wilson, 22 Tom Small

Leeds Carnegie: 15 Will Cargill, 14 Lewis Jones, 13 Joe Nellany, 12 Luke Peters, 11 Alex Beaumont, 10 Alex Lozowski, 9 Matt Dudman, 1 Sam Lockwood (c), 2 Luke Cole, 3 Matt Beesley, 4 Jack Ramshaw, 5 Sam Brady, 6 Josh Burridge, 7 Jack Barnard, 8 Jared Williams

Replacements: 16 Josh Graterix, 17 Declan Dunn, 18 Courtney Raymond, 19 Charlie Maddison, 20 Dan Temm, 21 Elliott Quirk, 22 Cameron Ledley, 23 Iain Simm
(Match Report by Andrew Robson)

Question is...

How many of this side do you think could get a few shots for the 1st XV this season?

I would imagine Chris York and Michael Tait definately should
Simon Hammersley a bit of gametime?
Sean Brown possibly...
Harrison Collins? or is it a bit too early for them?

Sean Brown seems to being talked up quite alot, perhaps he is just a human interest story because he was an ex Sunderland player.

One of the good things about being back in the Premiership is that we get some semi serious periphery competitions to try these guys out in. I would imagine the likes of Sean Brown, Chris Harris, Zack Kibirgie, George McGuigan and James Hallam will get major run outs in the LV and Amlin Challenge cup. From there they get the chance to impress Deano for league spots. I must admit, I'll be keeping an eye on Chris Harris. The lad looks like a unit at inside centre, looks like he can play a bit too.

Yeah theres lots being talked about Brown. We'll have to see what happens.

I agree with kibirige, Hallam and McGuigan mate. Hallam has had huge reviews for the last few years at this level ...and he's 23 i believe so should be getting some gametime in those cups.
I also think we may see Ben Morris getting some gametime along with Harrison Collins. That lad has impressed me in the 7's and apparently had a very good game on Monday, so be interesting to see if he gets a run out.

Edit, I havent seen much at all of Chris Harris...i think we could do with a bit more dynamic power and carrying...could he offer that in the next few years..

Interesting bit on Sky's teletext service thing tonight which says that Richards has said that he was more excited about last season in the Championship than this season the AP.
I do think that Richards will really help the team through his own experience at the top level. Hopefully, this will help them stay up.
There seems to be a good blend of youth and experience and home grown talent plus imports

Didn't realise that our U18's had a hit-out against Leeds Academy a short time ago. Looks like it was a decent run:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo_G0-pbSFw&list=UUycrxh2r7VKKxP-rfa9-cfw

Oh i think if we can avoid the drop this season, and put a few good games in, in the process...give the youngsters some experience and games then we have the makings a pretty decent side.

Still would like to see one or two heavy duty ball carriers. We have pacy carriers etc but we're missing somone who can carry in tight with a few opposition guys on his back.
Its a shame Fitzy didnt have that bit more about him ability wise / game management wise...he would have been the perfect 12.
It'll be interesting to see who our centres will be this season...and our FH, and our wingers...and our second rows...and our back rows...hhhmmm  

I see Will Welch stays as captain this season. Interesting call with Saull and possibly Ben Morris chomping at his heals for the 7 spot....

Team for Connacht Saturday at 3pm

Interesting side...ill not get there but will be curious to see how it goes...

Newcastle Falcons:
1 Gary Strain
2 Scott Lawson
3 Oliver Tomaszczyk
4 Dom Barrow
5 Carlo del Fava
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch
8 Ally Hogg

9 Mike Blair
10 Joel Hodgson
11Ryan Shortland
12 James Fitzpatrick
13 Danny Barnes
14 Noah Cato
15 Tom Catterick

Replacements: 16 Rob Vickers, 17 Matt Thompson, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Franck Montanella, 20 Scott MacLeod, 21 Chris York, 22 Chris Pilgrim, 23 Phil Godman, 24 Jamie Helleur, 25 Alex Crockett, 26 Andrew Higgins (Referee: Richard Wigglesworth)

It's good to see the Falcons make good use of the whole of the catchment area for the U18's squad.

http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/news/story/falcons-academy-squad-for-u18-festival

1 Dan Elkington (Sedbergh School/Cumbria)
2 Ben Wilkinson (Gosforth Academy/Percy Park RFC/Nland)
3 Mark Forster (Austin Friars School/Carlisle RFC/Cumbria)
4 Harry Borthwick (Gosforth Academy/Berwick RFC/Nland)
5 Jon Coser (Barnard Castle School/Durham)
6 Tom Lawson (Yarm School/Darlington Mowden Park RFC/Durham)
7 Guy Coser (Barnard Castle School/Durham)
8 Callum Chick (Gosforth Academy/Ponteland RFC/Nland)
9 Bruno Smith (RGS Newcastle/Northern RFC/Nland)
10 Roddy Giles (Sedbergh School/Cumbria)
11 Luke Davison (West Lakes College/Carlisle RFC/Cumbria)
12 Luke Wilson (Hartlepool 6th Form College/Billingham RFC/Durham)
13 Tom Small (Hartlepool 6th Form College/Billingham RFC/Durham)
14 Dan Marshall (Gosforth Academy/Ponteland RFC/Nland)
15 Adam Redman (Durham School/Sunderland RFC/Durham)
16 Craig Cowan (Jedburgh Grammar School/Jed Thistle RFC/Borders)
17 Jack Beckwith (Barnard Castle School/Consett RFC/Durham)
18 Callum Sheldon (QE Kirkbie Lonsdale School/Kirkbie Lonsdale RFC/Cumbria)
19 Freddie Renwick (Sedbergh School/Cumbria)
20 Adam Barrass (Gateshead College/Yorkshire)
21 Richard Addison (Appleby Grammar School/Penrith RFC/Cumbria)
22 Johnny McPhillips (Sedbergh School/Cumbria)
23 Callum Burn (Dutchess School/Alnwick RFC/Nland)

Good mix of Northumbrians (6), Durhamites (7), Borderers (1) North Yorkshirite (1) and Cumbrians (8).

Nice Hartlepool centre combo there

Luke Wilson is class, he'll play prem rugby no doubt

GeordieFalcon wrote:Team for Connacht Saturday at 3pm

Interesting side...ill not get there but will be curious to see how it goes...

Newcastle Falcons:
1 Gary Strain
2 Scott Lawson
3 Oliver Tomaszczyk
4 Dom Barrow
5 Carlo del Fava
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch
8 Ally Hogg

9 Mike Blair
10 Joel Hodgson
11Ryan Shortland
12 James Fitzpatrick
13 Danny Barnes
14 Noah Cato
15 Tom Catterick

Replacements: 16 Rob Vickers, 17 Matt Thompson, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Franck Montanella, 20 Scott MacLeod, 21 Chris York, 22 Chris Pilgrim, 23 Phil Godman, 24 Jamie Helleur, 25 Alex Crockett, 26 Andrew Higgins (Referee: Richard Wigglesworth)

Quite strong, no?

2/3 of expected 1st team I'd say George.

Heard Blair/Godman had a great game.

How's York getting in gents?

Still a bit gutted that we let him go to be honest. Will he be starting regularly for you boys?