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Dean Richards praises Newcastle's team spirit

Newcastle Falcons head coach Dean Richards
Image: Dean Richards: Happy with Newcastle's display

Newcastle coach Dean Richards praised his team’s spirit as they dug deep for a 20-10 win against Gloucester at Kingston Park.

The home side battled back from a wretched start to see off the Cherry and Whites in a thrilling Aviva Premiership encounter.

"We're no pushovers now," said Richards.

"Our defence was outstanding and showed the real character in this side.

"We played the conditions well and came back after their early try which was a bit of a reality check for us, and the early try we scored in the second half was vital."

Also vital was the kicking of Rory Clegg, who booted five of six penalties, making up for presenting Gloucester with a gift try in the first minute.

But Gloucester spurned two kickable penalties in the last six minutes, which would have given them a bonus point, choosing to go for the corner on both occasions.

The attempts of the visitors to cross for a try came to nothing in the face of some fierce Newcastle tackling.

"It was surprising they didn't go for goal and a bonus point," added Richards, "but I can understand the reasoning."

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