Joel Hodgson leads Newcastle Falcons to 48-29 win over Lyon

Newcastle Falcons 48 - 29 Lyon, Kingston Park
Scorecard

Fly-half Joel Hodgson had a memorable outing scoring 21 points as Newcastle Falcons kept their hopes of making to the knock-out of the European Challenge Cup alive with a 48-29 victory over Lyon at Kingston Park on Sunday.

Newcastle Falcons are placed third in Pool 2 with 10 points while Lyon are positioned second in the table with 11 points.

After Lyon fullback Jerome Porical and Hodgson exchanged penalties, centre Juan Pablo Socino crossed over twice sandwiched by a touchdown from scrum half Tane Takulua. Hodgson converted all the three tries to take a 21-point lead for the home side.

Lyon struck back with wing Thibault Regard strolling past the post in the 24th minute and Porical adding the conversion but Hodgson spoiled the plans for the visitors as he amassed a penalty and a converted try as Newcastle Falcons went into half-time with a massive 24-point lead.

Even though Pierre-Louis Barassi started the second half positively for Lyon with a try in the 41st minute, Newcastle Falcons wing Zach Kibirige negated it 11 minutes later.

Lyon attained the bonus when Franck Romanet and Paul Bonnefond scored tries in the final quarter but number eight Callum Chick's try in the 71st minute ensured Newcastle Falcons sealed a 19-point win.