FLANKER Sam Lewis insists Worcester Warriors’ discipline level is “not where we want it to be” despite slashing their penalty count by almost half.

Warriors accumulated a startling 21 penalties in the opening-day 21-20 defeat to Wasps before being punished 12 times in the 21-15 loss at Sale Sharks a week later.

But Lewis felt there was still room for improvement as they prepare to take on a “dangerous” Newcastle Falcons side at Sixways today (3pm).

“We did speak about the penalty count against Wasps,” said the 27-year-old Welshman.

“It was up at around 20 penalties which let them into the game.

“I think it came down against Sale but it is still not where we want it to be so hopefully we can get that down against Newcastle this weekend.

“You want to try to make those dominant tackles but just have a second think and consider if you don’t need to go in there as you could concede that penalty.”

Two losing bonus points were gained by Warriors in their first two league games.

They let slip a 13-0 lead to lose to Wasps before clawing their way back from an 18-0 half-time deficit to get within six points of Sale at the AJ Bell Stadium.

But Lewis said: “I don’t think we would ever be satisfied with two points but we are pretty satisfied with the way we have been playing.

“We showed some really good stuff against Wasps as we chucked the ball around.

“We weren’t too pleased with that first half against Sale but the boys showed tremendous courage to come back and I reckon with another 10 minutes and if things went our way we could have nicked that one.

“You can see in training everyone is gagging to get out onto the pitch again, especially with the home advantage we have got.

“We played quite well here against Wasps so hopefully we can have another good performance like that and get the win.”

Warriors have won nine of their past 10 meetings with Falcons at Sixways.

Newcastle also sit one place below Worcester in the table with one point after defeats to Saracens and Leicester Tigers.

But Lewis reckons Warriors will have their work cut out against Falcons who upset the odds last season to finish in the top four.

“They had a tremendous season,” Lewis said.

“They have got some dangerous players and like to throw the ball around a lot so we have got to be on top form in defence.

“They have got a few good boys in the pack and in the back row who are a handful so I will have to be very good on the day.

“Hopefully we can get the win and get one over them this year.”