Gloucester win, Jonny lost

Wilkinson: Injured in first half

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Another injury setback for Jonny Wilkinson overshadowed an Iain Balshaw hat-trick in Gloucester's 39-23 win over Newcastle.

The Falcons number 10 was helped off the field after appearing to hurt his knee when he was cleared out of a ruck in the 25th minute.

Wilkinson, who has been plagued by fitness problems since the 2003 World Cup, is now facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering suspected ligament damage.

Despite his departure the visitors battled bravely but were eventually undone in the closing stages, making it a miserable trip to the west country.

Half-time lead

Balshaw was the man who shot down the Falcons' hopes of an away win, his first two tries helping open up a 16-6 lead by half-time.

James Simpson-Daniel went on to grab a late brace for Gloucester that gave the final scoreline a flattering look after Newcastle had threatened a fightback.

However, it will be Wilkinson's health that will hog the headlines, the fly-half appearing to pay the price for one of his trademark tackles on Olly Morgan.

Before then he had kicked his team in front with a long-range penalty after just two minutes, though the lead did not last for too long.

By the midway point of the opening half the Cherry and Whites had moved ahead, Olly Barkley slotting over a penalty before Balshaw crossed for his first.

The winger went over for a second before the interval and although Barkley missed both conversions, he did land a late penalty to open up a 10-point advantage.

Newcastle also failed to pick up three points when Steve Jones was unable to land a penalty, the full-back then handing over kicking duties to Rory Clegg, who made no mistake with his effort at the posts just after the half hour.

Bad news

But the bad news just kept on coming for Steve Bates' side, former Gloucester back-rower Adam Balding becoming the latest casualty in action.

Despite their losses the Falcons refused to give up the fight, hooker Matt Thompson's opportunist effort helping them cut the gap.

Although Barkley landed a penalty the difference between the two teams was down to three when Tom May went over, though crucially neither of the second-half tries were converted.

Balshaw completed his treble to calm any nerves for the spectators in the Shed before Simpson-Daniel showed off his finishing skills with two tries in a three-minute period.

Although the away side had the last word when captain Phil Dowson touched down, Clegg adding the conversion, it was no more than a consolation effort ahead of the long journey home, most of which will be spent wondering just when Jonny will be good again.