Lam full of praise for front rowers

BRISTOL boss Pat Lam praised Kyle Sinckler for ensuring the match could go ahead.

“It’s been a challenge, but I’m really pleased,” Lam said. “I have to give massive credit to our front row Peter McCabe, George Kloska and Jake Armstrong. They put a shift in.

“We had some young academy boys on the bench and even though they didn’t get on, it was an invaluable experience to be with the team preparing for the game.”

“We needed three front rowers on the bench and Kyle came in late on so the game could go ahead and he showed his class. He was supposed to be on a break but we needed a front row.

“We’ve got things to fix and we need to because our next game is Exeter.”

Newcastle DoR Dean Richards said: “We felt we were worth a bonus point, but you have to take your opportunities.

“Our boys did well but we just needed a bit of accuracy at times. One defeat doesn’t change anything, we’re not going to fizzle out.”