FALCONS IN TOWN

The falcons travel down from one plastic pitch to another! They are also in glorious form at present. 4 wins in the last 5 games speaks wonders of the effort Falcons are putting in this season. Their last premiership game was January 7th against Exeter Cheifs and Newcastle recorded a sixth victory in a row in all competitions at Kingston Park. Falcons raced into a commanding 25 - 3 half time lead with tries from Sinoti Sinoti (so good they named him twice) Veriniki Goneva, and Kyle Cooper respectively. A tremendous defensive effort in the second half and cool penalty kick from Joel Hodgson denied Cheifs a bonus point and gave Newcastle Falcons a 28 - 20 victory. 

 

Falcons have also tasted success in Europe as well qualifying for the Quarter Finals and two big wins over Enisei-STM (64- 7 at home and 19- 33 away) and also tasted success in the Anglo Welsh reaching the Semi Finals thanks to a 33 - 19 win over Gloucester meaning they are fighting on three fronts, a brilliant achievement by anyone's standards and must be praised for their achievements so far this campaign. The only blemish was a solitary defeat to Bath at the Rec in the Anglo Welsh Cup 21 - 8.

 

Falcons must fancy their chances this weekend even away from home, Saracens are 15+ players light due to internationals and Injuries so an in form falcons may well upset the Current European Champions on their own patch. Falcons also have some quality in their squad, Veriniki Goneva, Sinoti Sinoti, JP socino and his brother and Toby Flood (who picked up a knock at Gloucester last time.out) to name a few. Newcastle will be hoping for a win to help them achieve a top six place as a minimum this season.

 

A potential Newcastle Falcons team could be:

 

Lockwood, Cooper, S Wilson, Witty, Green, Welch ©, Latu, M Wilson, Takulu, Flood (if fit), Sinoti Sinoti, JP Socino, Matavesi, Goneva, Hammersly

 

Replacements

Sowery, Vickers, Davidson, Robinson, Graham, Young, Hodgson, Tait

 

Saracens 'storm' may have crashed out of the Anglo Welsh Cup but it was a tremendous effort from such a young team and there is no shame in losing to a better team, especially when that team is Exeter Cheifs who had a semi final to play for and which they ultimately achieved. However good wins over Northampton Saints and Dragons in recent weeks means Saracens have found some confidence. Last time out in the premiership Saracens travelled to Coventry and had an excellent bonus point win over Wasps (15 - 38) tries on that day were scored by Wyles, a brace by Goode, Spencer and Burger. Many of who are likely to feature this weekend, especially Ben Spencer thanks to Wigglesworth being called up to the England squad to replace the injured Ben Youngs.

 

 Wigglesworth is the oldest England Squad member at 34. Some good news for Sarries is the return of Liam Williams who is fit and released by Wales. Returning from the England camp is Nick Isiekwe and Nathan Earle as well as under 20s international Ben Earl. Although it will be a slightly weakened Saracens team they will be looking continue their winning ways in the Premiership and keep the pressure on Exeter who top the table over Sarries but only by 5 points! 

 

Will Saracens fall prey to the Falcons or can they escape the clutches and grab a victory themselves? We shall see

 

A likely Saracens team could be:

 

Barrington, Spurling, Figallo, Isiekwe, Skelton, Clark, Burger, Wray, Spencer, Lozowski, Earle, Barritt ©, Tompkins, Williams, Goode

 

Replacements

McElroy, Thompson-Stringer, Longbottom, Flanagan, Earl, Stirzaker, Malins, Bosch

 

A slightly inexperienced bench but a good looking team

 

Match Officials

Referee: Christophe Ridley (3rd Premiership Game)

 

Assistant Referees: Simon McConnell and Roy Maybank

 

TMO: Trevor Fisher

 

Citing Officer(s): Pete Larter and Ashley Rowden

 

Match prediction : Saracens by 5 Points