Newcastle Falcons 11 - 14 Bath Rugby
Newcastle Falcons took a dramatic step towards ensuring another season in the Aviva Premiership by securing a losing bonus point against Bath at Kingston Park. Bath moved up to 5th place in the table, boosting their chances of a place in the Heineken Cup next year.
First Half
It was Newcastle who collected the first points of the match, with the ever reliable, and overly familiar boot of Jimmy Gopperth. Bath responded with a try from Michael Claasens following some brilliant forward play by the visitors. Butch James missed the conversion, leaving the score 5-3 in favour of Bath.
Some scrappy, open-ended play was to follow, resulting in nothing but a trading of goal kicking attempts from both teams. James and Gopperth both kicked successfully, leaving the score at 6-8 to Bath on the stroke of half time.
Second Half
The home side had it all to play for in the second half, as the losing bonus point would all but secure premiership rugby for next season. Bath however, dominated the opening quarter of the second half, and were camped in the Falcons' half for over ten minutes. Newcastle defended well, and Bath were awarded with just a penalty despite all the hard work from the forwards. Sam Vesty capitalised on the wind advantage and kicked his team 3 points further into the lead.
The second half saw Bath's front row sustain injury after injury, resulting in uncontested scrums. With ten minutes to go, Duncan Bell became the third prop to be injured, and so Bath were not allowed to make the replacement under the new laws, leaving the visitors restricted to just 14 players on the field. They were awarded the penalty however, and Butch James kicked Newcastle out of losing bonus point range.
Just when the match seemed to be over, Newcastle centre Tane Tu'ipulotu broke through the Bath defence, and kicked a fantastic ball for Luke Feilden to chase down. Despite the fact that Bath fullback Nick Abendanon touched the ball down, referee JP Doyle awarded Fielden the try, and Newcastle were back within reach of their much sought after bonus point.
The battle to avoid relegation will come down to the final day of the Aviva Premiership next week. Newcastle hold the advantage at the moment following today's securing of a bonus point, but Falcons now have to face Bath again, and Bath will be hungry for a five-point win to make possible a top four finish. Be that as it may, Newcastle Falcons are now looking to be the favourites to stay up in this year's competition.
Final Score “ Newcastle Falcons 11 “ 14 Bath Rugby
