Bates happy despite Cup loss

Falcons boss pleased with youngsters after Harlequins defeat

Last updated: 15th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bates happy despite Cup loss

Bates: Happy despite loss

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Steve Bates was happy with his side's performance despite seeing Newcastle go down 19-8 to Harlequins at Kingston Park.

Defeat means the Falcons have lost both their opening LV= Cup matches but Bates had taken the opportunity to blood several youngsters and saw plenty of positives to take out of the match.

"This has been a great opportunity for our young players to get out there and learn a bit about first-team rugby," he said.

"It was a bit scrappy, they played better in the first half than we did but we did better as it went on and scored a good try at the end."

Bates felt Harlequins number eight Tom Guest was the difference between the sides.

"He was the outstanding player on the park and gave them a lot of direction," the Newcastle boss added.

Sam Smith's try midway through the first-half put daylight between the two sides while Rory Clegg kicked four penalties, although the former Falcons fly-half did miss with three other attempts.

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