Warriors are easy prey for Falcons

NEWCASTLE made an impressive start to the new season by recording a bonuspoint 35-8 win over Worcester at Kingston Park last night.

The Falcons got off to a flier when Alex Tait sliced his way through the Worcester defence following a slick lineout move, with Sonatane Takulua converting, to give Newcastle a 7-0 lead.

A Takulua penalty stretched Newcastle’s advantage and Worcester were in trouble. Lions centre Ben Te’o struggled to make any headway against the Newcastle defence and he was forced off through injury in the 26th minute.

The Warriors, though, kept themselves in the game with a penalty from Tom Heathcote to ensure they went in at the break just seven points down.

The deficit was cut further shortly after half-time when the Television Match Official ruled Josh Adams scored, although most of the Kingston Park crowd believed he was in touch. Heathcote, however, missed with his conversion attempt.

Newcastle managed to regain the initiative and, following a second penalty from Takulua, they scored a second try of the night.

Prop Rob Vickers burrowed his way over from close range and Takulua added the extras to give the Falcons a commanding 20-8 lead.

Tries by hooker Kyle Cooper and replacement Juan Pablo Socino – along with another Takulua penalty – then secured the bonus point.

THE CHEETAHS received a baptism of fire in the PRO14 last night as the South African side lost 42-19 to Ulster at Kingspan Stadium.

Ulster scored six tries in all, with the pick of the bunch being a wonderful team move that culminated in a first-half touchdown for full-back Charles Piutau.

Two tries from second-row Jean Kleyn helped Munster to a 34-3 victory over Benetton Treviso, while Blair Kinghorn and Chris Dean touched down for Edinburgh in their 20-10 win over Cardiff Blues.