Every point precious for drop-threatened Geordies

NEWCASTLE head coach Alan Tait praised his players after they scrapped their way to a losing bonus point against Northampton on Friday. Tait's side, with Ally Hogg, right, prominent, moved off the bottom of the standings and ahead of Leeds on points difference but Tait also warned his players against getting carried away.

"I'm chuffed to bits for the lads but there is a bit of disappointment we didn't hang on for the draw," he said.

"We've thrown away a few points this season and now we're talking about a point rather than points - it's that vital. It is a concern we're not scoring tries and it just gets harder because we have Leicester next here on Friday but, if the crowd gets behind us like they did against Northampton, then anything can happen. We may be off the bottom for just a few hours as Leeds are at Wasps on Sunday (today]. I'll be out walking the dog, but I'm sure I'll get a text or two about the result there."

Leeds head coach Neil Back is also aware that his players face a tough run-in. He said: "We have still got it all to do. Our backs are against the wall. All we can do is focus on ourselves, being the best we can be and maximising on our individual and therefore our collective potential."