Falcons victory lifts coach Bates

Bates led Falcons to their first win at Bath since 2004

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates has praised his players for an impressive away display in the 27-16 defeat of Bath on Saturday.

Bath's Recreation Ground has traditionally been tough turf for the Falcons, with their previous victory there coming back in September 2004.

"The players were magnificent and a four-try win was well deserved," he told BBC Newcastle.

"Everybody's come on and done their bit for the team."

Bates' side had yet to win in the Premiership prior to the journey down to the West Country, although the Falcons did go into the game on the back of two European Challenge Cup victories against Petrarca and Albi.

And the England Saxons coach believes the upturn in fortunes is a credit to the hard work the players have put in on the training ground, and the bond that has formed.

"The understanding's beginning to come, they've been working hard and it's starting to come in matches," he said.

"It's the result of them coming more of a team and that comes with working hard in training.

"It's about how these guys feel about the club."

Meanwhile Christine Balford has been appointed as the club's new commercial director.