Richards raps ref as Willis sees red after Sarries let-off
DEAN Richards hit out at referee Mike Adamson for sending off centre Craig Willis as his Falcons had their Anglo Welsh wings clipped by Sarries.
The Newcastle rugby director was upset Adamson dismissed Willis ten minutes from time for a tip tackle on Nick Tompkins.
Richards felt the official should easily have shown a red card to a Sarries player earlier in the game for a deliberate off-the-ball block on flanker Joshua Chisanga, and he claimed: “The red card was a bit harsh especially considering the referee just ignored totally Joshua being taken out in a kick chase.
“That would have definitely been a red card if he had seen it. I’ve got some glasses here for somebody out on the field!”
Falcons gave Sarries a real battle for most of the game but faded in the final 20 minutes as the London club grabbed a bonus point try to show their character.
But Richards insisted: “It’s a little bit disappointing because we were the better side in the first half but just didn’t put enough points on the board. I was delighted with the younger boys like Chisanga and Willis but in the end it was the naivety of youth in the second half where the boys got a bit loose.”
Holders Saracens picked themselves up from last week’s loss at Gloucester but they were made to fight all the way by a plucky and determined Falcons side who seemed to enjoy the cold, wet and windy conditions as the opening half was level 10-10 at the break.
Brett Connon kicked Falcons ahead after Sarries went off their feet at a ruck and lock Nick Isiekwe was shown a yellow card for a professional foul.
Falcons grabbed the opening try with powerful No.8 Opeti Fonua charging over from close range, Connon converting. The full-back kicked a penalty for a 10-0 lead.
However, the game turned quickly with Sarries bursting down field and the luck of the bounce favoured the hosts. Left wing Nathan Earle grabbed the loose ball and fed centre Tompkins.
A Tom Whiteley conversion and penalty levelled matters at 10-10. Connon nailed a long-range penalty as Falcons edged ahead but from then on Sarries took control with the introduction of Neil de Kock.
Two driving mauls led to tries for hooker Scott Spurling and his replacement Jared Saunders.
Whiteley converted both and Falcons flapped as Willis was dismissed for his tackle and George Perkins ran in the bonus try.
The visitors grabbed a second try through replacement hooker Santiago Socino but the game was lost.