Sunday 22nd November saw the Exiles U19’s play the Newcastle Falcons at Druids Park, Newcastle. The Exiles squad had gathered on the Saturday in order to prepare for the match but found themselves depleted due to injury and illness so several players were drafted in during the weekend. The match was played in chill and damp conditions but as it was played on the 3G pitch made for a running game which looked like it might suit the lighter Exiles team.

The Falcons fielded a team which comprised five of their younger premiership squad players and the majority of the rest of the squad having played in the Guinness ‘A’ league. In spite of this the Exiles played and competed exceptionally well.

For the first quarter the Exiles played very positive rugby taking the game to the Falcons. The lineout worked well with accurate throwing, the jumper and support players being very effective allowing the backs to attack the channels wider out. The experience in the Falcons backs was able to snuff out the attacks although the accurate running and support play from the Exiles did threaten the Falcons line on several occasions. The forwards had an excellent drive to the try line only to be thwarted by some great defence. As the half wore on the heavier Falcons forwards began to rumble forward which sucked the Exiles defence in just to combat the size and weight difference allowing the Falcons to move the ball wide and score four unanswered tries before halftime.

The second half saw the Exiles start brightly again having made several changes both injury and tactical.  They continued in the same vein as the first half which this time resulted in two tries and putting the Falcons under pressure. The Falcons weathered the storm and through their big forwards began to win ample ball allowing the backs to cut loose, fortunately some poor handling stopped them adding to their score. The Exiles defended well but were unable to stop the Falcons increasing their lead. The referee then decided enough was enough and started to issue yellow cards unfortunately two went the Exiles way for doing less than the Falcons had done in the first half and the third going the way of the Falcons again for cynically killing the ball.

It was an entertaining game where the Exiles did themselves proud in the way they played against a more experienced team. There were several good individual performances but special mention must go to the front row for their outstanding effort against far bigger and more experienced opponents. Performance was the real winner.