Falcons were keen to avenge last season's 48-8 defeat at the Madjeski

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates has praised his forwards for their efforts in the 15-11 victory over London Irish on Sunday.

Falcons were keen to avoid a result similar to last season's 48-8 hammering but a strong forward presence helped the visitors to a precious win.

"We were keen to make sure we were in it at half-time and squeeze it in the second half," Bates told BBC Newcastle.

"Ultimately the pack matched London Irish blow-for-blow at times."

Last January's loss at the Madjeski Stadium was one of the Falcons' bleakest moments during a campaign where the former Premiership winners flirted with relegation to the National leagues.

One of the players responsible for that defeat was former Exiles lock James Hudson - a player who joined Newcastle during the summer and was again a key figure, this time for Bates' line-up.

"After last year when we came here and got whacked, there was a huge incentive for us," said Bates.

"I'm really pleased for all the players, especially James Hudson, coming back here and proving why he's an outstanding individual.

"He's got a particularly big smile on his face at the moment."

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