Falcons scrape victory
Newcastle endured a nervy start to their Challenge Cup campaign as they edged a 29-27 win at Petrarca.
By Rachel Griffiths
Last Updated: 10/10/09 4:50pm
Newcastle endured a nervy start to their Amlin Challenge Cup Pool Five campaign as they edged a 29-27 win at Petrarca.
The Falcons were seeking their first victory of the season after a poor start in the Guinness Premiership, but were made to work hard by their Italian opponents.
Newcastle trailed 17-10 at the break and were still lagging 27-24 with just 15 minutes remaining before Micky Young scored a late try to seal a bonus-point triumph.
Despite Ed Williamson, Danny Williams and Lawrence Ovens joining Young in touching down, the overall Falcons display was less than inspiring.
Personnel changes
Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates made nine personnel changes and a positional switch from the side that were defeated by Saracens last weekend, but the decision almost backfired as the Falcons struggled to gain control.
The Italian minnows claimed three tries of their own with apparent ease, despite driving rain prior to kick-off making for difficult conditions.
Former Gloucester fly-half Ludovic Mercier limped off injured just past the hour mark and although Newcastle conceded a third try shortly after his departure, the Italians lost some momentum without his imposing presence.
Even without Mercier, Petrarca seemed set for victory when the Falcons conceded a penalty 35 metres out with less than two minutes to play, but Stefano Ambrosio slipped on contact and Newcastle prevailed.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Bucaresti kicked off their European campaign with an excellent 21-9 win over Italian side Overmach Parma.
Lock Cosmin Raitu and centre Csaba Gal Minya both crossed for tries, while full-back Florin Vlaicu slotted over one of his two conversion attempts and also landed a pair of penalties.
All Parma managed in reply in the Pool One clash was a trio of penalties from Barry Irving, the fly-half having booted the visitors into an early 6-0 lead.