The Reunion: Newcastle Falcons v The Borders

By Charlie says (02/04/03)
April 2 2003

This Saturday we have the opportunity to welcome back some faces of old. Doddie Wier, Gary Armstrong and (the gorgeous) George Graham, ever a favourite with certain ladies, yes you know who you are!!!

The ticket office reports there has been significant interest for this friendly fixture and with a sunny day forecast a good crowd is expected.

After 3 weeks without a game (with the exception of those fulfilling International duties in the Six Nations and Hong Kong Sevens) the players will benefit from this Saturday's friendly, as it will bring the team back together and re focus them for the remaining ZP games.

For The Borders, this friendly will be a good warm up for their forthcoming Bank of Scotland Pro Rugby Cup ties against Edinburgh and Glasgow. The results will determine whether they participate in next seasons Heineken Cup. This would be a fantastic achievement for the Borders in their first year as a professional team.

The game is bound to be an exciting one when old team mates come face to face once again. Rob Andrew is expecting to involve most of the first team, but has not yet decided whether Jonny will play any part or be rested in preparation for the next game against Gloucester. Doddie Wier, Gary Armstrong and George Graham are all expected to start.

Last time we faced the Borders we went down 24 - 10 but Rob Andrew wasn't worried, describing the game as "only a training exercise". This time out, with the home advantage and a team with growing confidence due to the much-needed wins of late, the result is sure to go in our favour.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm on Saturday 5th April and following the game at 4.30pm the Powergen Cup Final between Gloucester and Northampton will be screened in all bars.

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Newcastle Falcons 24 : Leicester Tigers 22