Goneva’s brace not enough to give Newcastle lifeline

Newcastle Falcons were denied a European Champions Cup lifeline by Northampton Saints despite doing all they could at relegated Bristol.

Dean Richards knew if they could claim a bonus-point victory and results went their way, they could sneak into a play-off with the Pro12’s ninth-placed side. They were on course thanks to Vereniki Goneva’s brace and scores from Mark Wilson, Marcus Watson and Chris Harris to earn victory – but the Saints cemented seventh spot with a late triumph against Harlequins.

Relegated Bristol claimed a losing bonus point thanks to scores from Jamal Ford-Robinson, Jack O’Connell, Jack Tovey and Mitch Eadie but it was not enough to down the Falcons.

Newcastle got off to a flying start thanks to flanker Wilson. Back-row colleague Opeti Fonua burst down the left-wing before a gaping hole opened up in midfield. Chris Harris accelerated into the Bristol 22 and fed Wilson, who charged over at the posts for an easy seven-point score.

Sonatane Takulua kicked Bristol 10-0 ahead with a penalty, before Goneva caught Bristol napping for his first score. He scooped up the ball at the edge of a ruck and met no resistance on the fringe, allowing him to waltz over to make it 15-0. Takulua and Gavin Henson traded penalties on the stroke of half-time to make it 18-3.

Goneva picked off a pass 10 metres from his own line and ran 95 metres to claim the bonus-point.