Newcastle Falcons beat Wasps 41-53 in high-scoring Anglo-Welsh thriller

Wasps 41 - 53 Newcastle Falcons, Ricoh Arena

Adam Radwan and Simon Uzokwe scored doubles while replacement Joel Hodgson contributed with nine points as Newcastle Falcons edged out Wasps 41-53 in a high scoring Anglo-Welsh encounter at Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

Craig Willis scored an early third minute penalty for the Falcons but Wasps made a strong comeback with back to back tries that came through Jack Willis (6') and Aaron O'Sullivan (8') with Rob Miller slotting a conversion.

A further try from fullback Owain James extended Wasps' lead to 19-3 but it was Falcons, who had the momentum on their side leading into the half-time with touchdowns from Adam Radwan (21'), Santiago Socino (27') and replacement Simon Uzokwe (30') as the first half ended with a score of 22-22.

Guy Armitage once again got Wasps into lead with a try immediately after the restart but his efforts were negated by Falcons flanker Gary Graham as the score continued to be 27-27 equal.

The trend continued as James' effort to go past the line was once again put off by a second from Radwan before Hodgson's converted try gave the Falcons a seven point lead at the end of the third quarter.

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. Even though Armitage with his second try in the game brought Wasps back into contention, Uzokwe claimed his second try with nine minutes to go as the Falcons completed a 12 point victory to begin their Anglo-Welsh campaign with confidence.