Jonny Wilkinson was highly satisfied with his return to competitive action as he starred in Newcastle's 32-22 victory over Northampton.
England star impresses as Newcastle see off Saints
Newcastle fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was delighted with his return to competitive action as he starred in Newcastle Falcons' 32-22 victory over Northampton on Sunday.
Wilkinson marked his comeback from six months on the sidelines following shoulder surgery with a 100% kicking record, a 45-yard right-footed drop goal and a fine scoring pass for wing Ollie Phillips.
The England star revealed afterwards he suffered no discomfort from his shoulder and was pleased to get the full 80 minutes under his belt.
"It was great to get stuck in and get that ability to hang in the game," said Wilkinson after the clash at Kingston Park.
"It's a great feeling and it's what competing is all about. I love that feeling.
"I've been training everyday and enjoying being that little bit obsessed about wanting to do well and wanting to be the best I can be in the time I've got left.
"I feel pretty good, just a few bumps and bruises and for me that is quite a thing to be able to say these days. I don't think I'm going to have any surprises."
Wilkinson was also upbeat about Newcastle's prospects for the season, with the Falcons having been predicted to struggle this season by many pundits.
"The story of your season can be formed in the last seconds of games and if you keep getting on the wrong side (of the score) it can really drag you into the dirt," he added.
"So to get back in the changing room with everyone's heads up and plenty of smiles means we can now look forward to next week."
Mallinder hails Wilkinson
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder was quick to hail Wilkinson's display after seeing his side experience their first defeat since their return to the top-flight.
"You know when Jonny is on the field he is going to make any mistakes pay and he certainly did that," he said.
"We had a chance to win today but we didn't deserve it. In the first half we put the ball in behind them and put pressure on them, which we had talked about, but we simply made too many errors in the second half.
"We're very disappointed and we need to improve before we face Wasps next week."
