Newcastle boss Steve Bates believes the importance of his side's 14-3 win over Worcester cannot be overestimated.
Ruddock admits Newcastle were better side
Newcastle boss Steve Bates believes the importance of his side's 14-3 win over Worcester cannot be overestimated.
All Black Carl Hayman led the hosts to a hard-fought victory in wet and windy conditions to keep Newcastle in the top half of the table.
Bates said: "Conditions were really difficult, but the win is of massive significance for us.
"We're moving in the right direction - but after winning at Bath last week, it was very important for us not to lose today.
"Had we not consolidated on last week's win, it would have been massively disappointing. In the past, we have been prone to doing things like winning at Bath and then sitting back and letting things slip.
"We talked all week about being single-minded and ruthless - and we have to be.
"If there is a lesson we can learn it's not to be too defensive and let the opposition back in the game - which we did to a certain extent after half-time when we started to look a little nervous."
Nudge
Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock conceded Newcastle were the better side on the day.
"They were certainly more streetwise than us and had the 'nudge' on us in the scrimmage in the first half - although we came back at them after half-time.
"Their half-backs Gopperth and Young were better than ours at the kicking game, and Hayman is a mighty 'package' in a good front row where Newcastle are no longer a soft touch."
