Falcons at the Hilton

By Westand & the Falcons
July 16 2004

The Falcons squad were on hand at the new Hilton on the Gateshead side of the Tyne on Friday afternoon, with the impressive boot of Mark Wilkinson declaring the hotel officially open.

Sparks, as he is known at the club, launched a booming punt which sailed high over the 55-metre six-storey hotel, joking beforehand that he had been practising by kicking balls over a variety of famous north-east landmarks.

Younger brother Jonny and wing Tom May both attempted to beat Sparks’ enormous kick, and Jonny did manage to hit the top of the building, while Tom’s effort clattered into a fourth-floor window at high speed.

But it was Sparks, in the end, who took a well-deserved bow after clearing the roof. The entire first team squad was on hand for the event, along with local media and business leaders, as the Falcons continued their growing partnership with Hilton.

Thanks to Westand and Mark Smith at the club for the story and pictures.