Tait relishing Falcons’ fight with Warriors

ALEX Tait is backing Newcastle Falcons to channel the spirit of 2009 when they take the field against Worcester Warriors on Sunday at Kingston Park.

The 30-year-old started for the Falcons in their 35-3 triumph away to Bristol in February of that year in the battle of the bottom two, the emphatic victory kick-starting a major Newcastle resurgence which saw them climbing comfortably away from the foot of the Premiership table.

With eight games remaining in the Gallagher Premiership campaign a similar upturn is needed, Tait saying: “I don’t see why we cannot get a win on Sunday and really get the belief flowing.

“I recall us being in a similar situation a few seasons ago when we went down to Bristol in a so-called relegation decider – we thumped them that day and then went on win our next four games.”

Forming part of the Falcons side which last season achieved its highest Premiership finish in 20 years, Tait added: “Maybe this season we have been low on confidence a little bit.

“We have lost a few games we should have won and we have been on the wrong end of some tight scorelines.

“It is amazing what a win can do for you and I fully believe we will get the win on Sunday.

“The effect that has on our mentality and in terms of generating that momentum, it will really take hold and it is not as if we have become a bad team.

“It is a very similar squad to the one which made three semi-finals last season and finished in the top four and we can get ourselves out of it.”

Speaking in the week he was awarded a testimonial season by the Falcons, the man with more than 230 appearances to his name was at pains to stress his Newcastle career is very much a work in progress.

Tait said: “It is a testimonial year, not the end of my career – I want to be very clear about that!

“I still have plenty in the tank and while the testimonial stuff is great my entire focus is just on playing well for the Falcons every time I take the field.”

Tait added: “I was delighted somebody thinks I am of the importance to be awarded a testimonial year.

“It is a surreal position but it is nice to know all that toil over the years is now being recognised and we can help some great charities as well.”