Falcons dig deep to keep Gloucester out

By BRENDAN GALLAGHER

Gloucester……………………. 21pts

Tries: Seabrook 37, Jordan 62, Penalty 72 Conversions: Barton 38, 62

Newcastle……………………. 27pts

Tries: Radwan 6, Chick 12, McGuigan 32

Conversions: Connon 7, 13, 33

Penalties: Connon 32, 72

BOTTOM club Newcastle Falcons, down to 13 men after encountering card trouble, clung on manfully at the death to record an unexpected and morale boosting win at Kingsholm.

Dave Walder's side had to dig deep as Gloucester recovered from a turgid start but the win was thoroughly deserved and is the kind of result that could transform their season.

Newcastle, who badly needed to reboot their season, made an absolutely blistering start which left Gloucester chasing shadows. Adam Radwan, unsurprisingly, led the charge with a super early effort which featured both his sensational speed on the arc and then that trademark Jacknife finish. He is some player.

Brett Connon converted and also added the extras when Callum Chick, demonstrating excellent strength, reached successfully for the line to add a second try.

Gloucester were in shock as Falcons continued in a similar vein. The visitors further extended their lead when Connon slotted a penalty and then Newcastle audaciously moved upfield and worked a lineout from five metres out.

There is usually only ever one result when that happens and in a matter of seconds George Mc-Guigan was burrowing over for yet another lineout rumble try. Connon was again on target and approaching half-time, Newcastle were an unlikely 24 points to the good.

Gloucester badly needed to get something going before half-time and they finally opened their account just before the break from a lineout on the Newcastle line, although not in the normal way. This time Charlie Chapman demanded the ball and brought in Tom Seabrook on the blindside to blast his way through Nathan Earle for the score, George Barton converting from wide.

It was Seabrook, soon after the break, who got the Shed animated again with a spirited kick ahead and chase to win a penalty from which Gloucester went to the corner.

The pressure was beginning to build as they won another series of lineouts five metres out. Falcons defended well although it did cost them a yellow card to McGuigan who looked a little perplexed when sent to the dugout. It certainly wasn't him who dragged the maul down.

A Gloucester score had to come and eventually it came from replacement Cam Morgan who had made a big impact off the bench. The big lock sensed some space as Gloucester laid siege and picked up and launched himself over the line. There was more space than normal because by now Falcons were down to 13 after Sean Robinson was also carded for changing his release as he disrupted a maul.

It was game on but although under pressure Falcons found a way of moving upfield to slot a penalty from Connon before going back to defensive duties. Then came yet another yellow card – this time for Chick – and a penalty try was awarded from the next lineout and, to rub salt into the wounds, Rob Penny received a yellow card, having been adjudged the offender.

Thereafter it was full on defence until the final whistle which came in added time when they turned over Billy Twelvetrees in midfield to win a vital penalty. A long but joyous drive back to Newcastle awaited.