NEWCASTLE FALCONS ............................................. 53

Gary Graham scores a try during the Anglo-Welsh Cup match between Wasps and Newcastle Falcons 19-3. The Falcons hit back quickly as a solo try from winger Adam Radwan saw him outpace the Wasps defence to go under the posts, with Craig Willis’ conversion blocked.

A catch and drive saw hooker Santiago Socino peel off and force himself over the line to make it 19-15, before Newcastle regained the lead as replacement Simon Uzokwe’s quick side-step saw him create the space for the try – with Craig Willis converting.

A late penalty from Wasps’ Miller saw the teams go into the break level at 22-22 but an try early in the second half from Guy Armitage saw the home side back in front. The Falcons hit back as Gary Graham went through unchallenged from a line-out to level the scores, before Wasps quickly got themselves back in front as James added his second try with Miller converting.

Radwan’s pace then saw him again break the Wasps defensive line to go under the posts, with Craig Willis converting to level the match again.

It was the turn of Newcastle to edge back in front as a tired looking defence allowed replacement Joel Hodgson through to score, with the conversion added for 41-34.

Newcastle took control of the game as more missed tackles deep in Wasps territory saw Andrew Davidson add a seventh try, with Hodgson again successful with his kick.

The home side gave themselves a lifeline at 48-41 as Armitage claimed his second try when the ball was offloaded to him from a Miller break.

However, an eighth try of the game for the Falcons sealed them the win when Uzokwe claimed his second try after the visitors stole the ball on the Wasps line.

Wasps backs coach Lee Blackett admitted his disappointed young charges were beaten by the better side with Radwan in particular earning his plaudits.

“We talked about Adam Radwan prematch, we know about his pace and fair play to him, you can’t really defend pace,” he said.

“We tried to shut him down early but they created the space and the chances for him and he was given those opportunities and he played really well.

“I think we’re pretty disappointed in there, we started both halves well but you have to give Newcastle a lot of credit, they took their opportunities really well and I think they deserved it.”