From the Touchline – Saturday 31st March Programme

Welcome to everyone who has made it here today for the first of our last 3 home games of the Season at Newcastle Falcons. Work has commenced with startling speed on our Artificial Grass Pitch and today will be an opportunity for our players to adapt to a surface that we ourselves will have for the start of next season

This is as ever an important game in the League being postponed from 20th January when snow and ice took over, but with relegation looming over both Clubs, it is vital that we play to the best of our ability today. Luctonians will be buoyed by their late victory last week at home to Hinckley

We visited our “northern” colleagues from Herefordshire at the end of September, and although we lost a close game, I was very impressed by their overall hospitality and the warmth of their Club in general. Although they are relatively isolated as a location they have a strong following of supporters and are a fine example of what Rugby clubs should be today. Their supporters, officials and players are very welcome especially having made the long trip on an Easter Saturday.

It was great to see the Falcons attract such a large crowd to their game last week at St James Park and get the win against Northampton. Clearly there are plenty people around the area who want to enjoy rugby and it would be nice to think this may help our own crowd numbers in future.

I hope you all enjoy the holiday break and hopefully a Blaydon win today

Bill Locke