Falcons will stage clash to raise cash
NEWCASTLE Falcons and Melrose will play for the ‘Doddie’s Club Trophy’ on Saturday, December 28, raising funds for My Name’5 Doddie.
The Kingston Park clash is a 3.00 kick-off, two of Doddie Weir’s former clubs coming together to raise funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.
The legendary Scotland lock has been diagnosed with the currentlyincurable condition and has worked tirelessly alongside his foundation to improve the lives and future prospects of fellow sufferers.
Tickets for the game start from just £10 for adults and £5 for juniors, the match intended to become an annual tradition.
Corporate hospitality starts from £55 +vat per person, while further funds will be raised through bucket collections, merchandise and a match-day lottery.
Newcastle Falcons’ director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Doddie is somebody who transcends our sport and it is an honour for us to be involved in this fixture between two of the clubs which played such a huge part in his life.
“As well as raising valuable funds for My Name’5 Doddie it should be a great game and a proper rugby occasion for somebody we all hold very dear to our hearts.”
Tickets can be bought by calling 0871 226 6060 or visiting www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk
Season ticket members are advised this game is not included in their 2019-20 package. Hospitality enquiries should be directed to corporatesales@ newcastle-falcons.co.uk
■ DEAN RICHARDS offered only qualified praise for his side’s 18-9 victory at Cornish Pirates on Sunday. The Falcons’ director of rugby said after the match: “This is not an easy place to come and we have ended up with four points, but we’re disappointed because we felt there was a fifth out there for us which we failed to take.
“The Pirates are a difficult team to play against and even though we had most of the territory and possession in the second half we just could not make it count. We squandered a number of points also by going for the corner rather than kicking at goal, but that is life sometimes.”
After a scrappy game with plenty going on around the tackle area, Richards added: “A lot of the chat at half-time was about how to play the referee because he was not giving anything for either side at the breakdown, so it was understanding how to deal with that.
“Once we did we were a little bit happier,and they eventually had a couple of guys sent to the sin bin.
“The boys are disappointed just to have come away with four points but this was always going to be a tough assignment.
“It was a funny old day in a lot of respects and I don’t think it was the best advert for rugby.
“Still, we are three wins from three in the league and we know we have a lot more in us.
“The Pirates are a tough nut to crack but we just about did it.”