Hogg lauds strong start to the season for the Falcons
Ally Hogg had much to be optimistic about for the season ahead on the back of a positive performance by Newcastle Falcons away to Leicester Tigers.
Despite finding themselves on the wrong end of a 36-17 score line, the Falcons gained many plaudits for an exciting and cohesive performance which saw them get their Aviva Premiership scoring tally underway with two tries at Welford Road.
Speaking after the game Hogg said: “We scored two tries against Leicester which was good to see. We put in a good counter attack straight from half time and scored a try on the back of that which was great to see but it was disappointing to then concede another try straight from that so we need to look at how we tighten that up.”
With the Falcons receiving praise from many angles over the weekend, Hogg remained balanced in his view of the game. “There were lots of positives and we did well although unfortunately the set pieces didn’t function as well as they had during pre-season, but we’ll rectify that.
“We also played lots of chances and need to just finish those off. The opportunities we’re creating are good but we passed up on a couple of them.
“Their intercept try came straight after an attack that we could have scored from. There were a couple of offsides in there but their try was a sucker punch because it could have been a score for us and instead gave them seven points.”
A mainstay of the Falcons side in recent years, Hogg believes that Saturday’s game marks a positive start to the season despite the final score line. “The boys gained a lot of confidence on Saturday and now we just have to keep going the way we’ve started.”
The Falcons season continues with their home opener against London Irish this Sunday (ko 3pm), a challenge which the squad are relishing.
“It’s the first home game of the season and we’re all looking forward to it,” said Hogg. “Hopefully there’ll be a good crowd and a good atmosphere.
“London Irish like to play quite a bit of rugby and the way we’re playing now we do too, so it should be a good game.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game against London Irish are available to buy now starting from only £15 for adults. Tickets are available [online][1] or by calling the Falcons’ 24 hour Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060.
[1]: http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/tickets/info
