Warriors keep Falcons out
Substitute Will Bowley claimed a late try for lowly Worcester to seal a scrappy 13-0 victory over Newcastle at Sixways.
By Rachel Griffiths
Last Updated: 26/02/10 11:27pm
Will Bowley claimed a late try for Worcester to complete a scrappy 13-0 victory over Newcastle at Sixways and keep relegation fears at bay.
Missed opportunities from the Falcons in the first half saw the Warriors edge into the lead before Bowley's effort wrapped up the win for the home side, who sit third from bottom in the Guinness Premiership standings.
Willie Walker kicked the remaining points for Worcester with two penalties and a conversion to complete the uninspiring triumph.
Newcastle were dominant early on, with the Warriors fortunate to be 6-0 ahead at half-time, but tighter defence from the hosts in the second half meant Falcons were unable to form any kind of comeback.
Pressure
The visitors applied the pressure in the opening stages but it was Worcester who opened the scoring with a Walker penalty after 16 minutes.
The Falcons continued to look the stronger side as they took advantage of some poor tackling from the hosts, but could not make their mark on the scoreboard.
Warriors somehow managed to keep their try-line intact before a dropped pass from Newcastle eased the pressure temporarily.
Falcons were then penalised at a scrum and Walker sent over another easy kick to double Worcester's lead.
Chris Pennell was given the chance to extend the lead but fell short with a long-distance penalty, leaving the score unchanged at half-time.
Newcastle were in charge once again early in the second half but further ill-discipline meant their efforts went unrewarded.
Blunder
Walker then blundered a kick for Worcester, allowing Falcons a kick-and-chase into the home 22, but a determined home defence kept them out.
Jimmy Gopperth was granted an ideal opportunity to get Falcons on the scoreboard after 60 minutes but another chance went begging as he sent his 20-metre penalty wide of the uprights.
Both sides continued to make errors until Worcester finally grabbed a crucial try with only seven minutes left on the clock.
A Newcastle pass went off course and was snatched up by replacement Bowley, who sprinted 20 metres to the line to cross over, Walker converting.
