Falcons can't hold on to livewire Randall

BRISTOL picked up where they left off last season, having won seven of their last eight and, although it took time for them to hit top gear, they departed Kingston Park with a deserved four-try victory.

- BEN JAYCOCK

While his team-mates throwing insisted on chaotic, frantic offloads, Harry Randall delivered a spectacular scrum-half performance which will cause Steve Borthwick to take notice.

Bristol centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg said: "We knew Newcastle away first up was going to be a tough proposition and it was, with them making the contest very scrappy. Credit to the boys for sticking to what we've been doing in pre-season to come away with five points.

"We want to continue our momentum from the end of last season. I have a lot of belief in this team and feel we can go all the way."

In a battle of largely attack against defence, Bristol could have scored more than their four tries if it wasn't for playing at a relentless pace that led to multiple knock ons forced by Harlem Globetrotter-esque play from the Bears which was often one pass too many.

However, Randall provided consistency, composure and crisp passing, while also proving a constant threat to the Falcons defence with his sniping from the ruck. And his box kicking has advanced to a new level.

Pat Lam's side have struggled to find an identity after their semi-final run in 2020 but returned to their free flowing roots from the off, keeping the ball alive by shifting play to their galloping wings Ratu Naulago and Gabriel Ibitoye.