Bates thrilled at success

Newcastle's interim chief Steve Bates believes there were promising signs for the future in his side's 28-25 victory over Leicester.

Newcastle chief encouraged after losing run comes to an end

Newcastle's interim director of rugby Steve Bates believes there were promising signs for the future in his side's 28-25 victory over Leicester. Having lost seven games on the bounce and exited the European Challenge Cup, the Falcons finally found the winning formula to seriously dent the Tigers' play-off aspirations. And Bates said: "I'm very, very proud of the team. "We saw evidence today of the type of rugby we have been trying to play for some time, it was a big win for us." Leicester's hopes of reaching the play-offs now hang by a thread, with the Tigers needing to win their last game, while hoping Wasps and Quins slip up in their final fixtures. However director of rugby Marcelo Loffreda has refused to write off his side's chances of making it into the top four. "Mathematically we still have a chance - but realistically our main aim now is to qualify for Europe again next season," he said. "I'm comfortable with the way we are playing. "I am confident we are going in the right direction."