Referee was like Dick Turpin says Dragons boss Jackman

NEWCASTLE virtually sealed a quarter-final spot by completing the double over Dragons but the controversial finish left the home side talking of highway robbery.

Falcons’ win puts them seven points ahead of Dragons at the top of Pool 1 with only the two games against bottom club, Enisei, remaining but the result could have easily gone the other way.

In the dying moments, Dragons were awarded a kickable penalty but opted for a lineout at which they lost possession. However Falcons were unable to relieve the pressure and at a succession of scrums, their pack were crumbling but Dragons lacked the accuracy to capitalise.

Dragons coach Bernard Jackman said: “I backed ourselves to go for the corner as we were dominant in that area but we lost the lineout when our player was illegally taken out in the air.

“Then we were going forward repeatedly at the scrums and should have had penalties but the referee didn’t make a decision when previously he made calls as soon as the scrum engaged.

“We weren’t happy with the referee against Leinster and put a damning report in to the ERC and we’ll do so again. At least Dick Turpin put a mask on to rob people.”

Newcastle’s rugby director Dean Richards said: “It could have gone either way but they went for a try which gave us a chance to hang on. I don’t know whether it was the right decision and we were a bit lucky as the scrummaging decisions weren’t going our way.”

Newcastle established a 14-point lead with two early tries. Ryan Burrows powered away from two scrums to set up the first for Adam Radwan before Zach Kibirige capitalised on a chargedown of a Gavin Henson clearance.

Henson partially atoned with two lengthy touch finders, resulting in two tries for Elliot Dee from lineout drives.

Henson and Joel Hodgson swapped penalties before Falcons scored the try of the half. An explosive burst from Simon Hammersley was supported by Sam Stuart, whose excellent off-load sent Gary Graham in for a 24-17 interval lead.

Ashton Hewitt’s try created by clever Hallam Amos work was the only one of the second half but Henson missed a crucial conversion before he and Hodgson exchanged penalties prior to the turbulent finish.