We kept our form well says Deano

Happy: Dean Richards

ORGANISATION was the key to victory for Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards.

“The thing you can’t be at this level, when you’re facing superstars, is disorganised,” said the Falcons boss.

“We’ve gone eight and a half months without a competitive game, and our battle-hardness was always going to be a little lacking as a result.

“We were at a disadvantage in that regard, but we knew that.

“We just said whatever happens on the day let’s give ourselves a chance by keeping our organisation. I thought our approach in that aspect was good.”

Former England centre Luther Burrell tweeted: “That’s the

feeling I’ve craved for 18 months.

“Great effort and proud to make my Premiership debut for this club.”

Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper denied his side were suffering a “hangover” from last month’s playoff defeat by Exeter.

“I just think it was a poor performance on the day,” he said.

Looking ahead to next weekend’s return to Sandy Park to face the Chiefs, he added: “We’ve got to do something about it and we will head to Exeter ready to go.

“This game will remain a huge disappointment until we get working again and get better from it.”