Dave Thompson won't blame the Kingston Park pitch

Dave Thompson admits Newcastle Falcons must not use the Kingston Park pitch as an excuse - and revealed problems with the turf are being addressed.

Falcons chairman Thompson admits he was disappointed with Friday night's performance in the 20-3 win over Padova, but is amazed how hard some have knocked a side that boasts three straight wins.

Thompson scotched talk of a disease in the turf at Kingston Park, but did admit the second layer of soil under the surface contained problems that the ground staff are addressing.

Despite battling away all week with specialist drainage equipment loaned from Slaley Hall Golf Club and readying the pitch to a solid standard, Thursday night's rain proved a tough nut for the ground staff to crack. With the pitch sodden then, the Falcons played on in difficult - but by no means impossible - circumstances.

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