Bates believes Falcons have the makings of a good side

Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates is confident his side have a positive future ahead of them following Sunday's 9-9 draw at Leeds Carnegie.

Falcons fielded a virtually brand-new first XV in the match and Bates believes the foundations have been laid for the squad to develop.

"The side could have been embarrassed by the lack of playing time together," he told BBC Newcastle.

"The players acquitted themselves really well."

Leeds were playing their first competitive match in the Premiership since bouncing back from relegation to National One two seasons ago, and showed a battling spirit that escaped them during their last spell in the top flight.

Meanwhile Falcons' late-season form eased them away from the drop last time round, and Bates admitted the result represents a decent start for his side.

"I'm reasonably happy that we can away with two points," he added.

"The two points that we came away away from home with could be very valuable in this league.

"There's was enough there to be positive about, there's a lot to work on but I'm very pleased we're taking something home with us."

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