Bath Rugby move into top six with 30-13 win over Newcastle Falcons

Bath Rugby 30-13 Newcastle Falcons, Recreation Ground
Scorecard

Bath came up with a dominant first half performance as they completed a 30-13 victory over Newcastle Falcons in their Gallagher Premiership clash at Recreation Ground.

This is Bath's sixth win from 13 games as they climb to the sixth place while Newcastle Falcons languish at the bottom following their 10th defeat this season.

The opening 10 minutes of the game saw Rhys Priestland and Toby Flood exchange penalties before Semesa Rokoduguni dotted down in the 23rd minute for the opening try that put Bath in the lead.

Flood with his second penalty goal narrowed down the gap to two points but tries from Joe Cokanasiga (32') and Will Chudley (40') ensured the host side had control heading into the break with a 20-6 lead.

The visitors finally got respite when Fiji international Nemani Nagusa dived over the line at the back of a driving maul following which Flood's conversion reduced the deficit to seven points. The Falcons had momentum on their side and soon looked to score another try but was denied by Tom Dunn.

Todd Blackadder's men sealed the decisive moment when Francois Louw crossed over in the 73rd minute while Priestland had a conversion and a penalty on either side allowing Bath to a 30-13 victory.