Warriors too strong for Falcons

Worcester got off to an impressive start in the LV= Cup as they overpowered a much-changed Newcastle side 32-6 at Sixways.

Newcastle won last week's Premiership meeting between the two at Kingston Park, but the Falcons made 12 changes from last week's starting line-up and that enabled the Warriors to exact their revenge.

It took the Warriors some time to subdue the stubborn Falcons but three close-range tries in the second half eventually killed the visitors off.

Worcester fielded their strongest available side in an attempt to regain some form, and they began the game strongly and had the better of the opening exchanges before Newcastle went in front when Rob Miller kicked a 15th-minute penalty.

Worcester soon equalised when debutant flanker, Mark Wilson, was sin binned for killing the ball at a ruck and from the resulting penalty Willie Walker kicked the goal.

Pressure

The Warriors' pressure was rewarded when from a ruck 10 metres from the Newcastle line, Ryan Powell went blind to put Miles Benjamin over for the try which Walker was unable to convert.

Worcester should have taken further advantage of Wilson's absence when they created an ideal platform for a score when camped under the visitors' posts but Walker's poor attempt at a chip through was charged down.

Wilson returned and almost immediately the Falcons had a chance to reduce the arrears when Miller was well wide with an ambitious penalty from inside his own half, but two minutes from the interval he did kick a simple one to leave Newcastle 8-6 behind at the break.

Worcester had the early pressure in the second half which was rewarded when Walker dropped a goal from 22 metres.

The Warriors battled back from a lineout close to the Newcastle line - the impressive Netani Talei made the catch from which the home pack drove over for the try from Tom Wood which Walker converted to give Worcester an 18-6 lead going into the final quarter.

Second sin-bin

Newcastle were dealt a further blow when Rob Vickers was yellow carded for punching. The replacement hooker had only been on the field for four minutes before committing the offence and Worcester soon took advantage.

From a lineout close to the Falcons' line the Worcester pack drove forward and replacement scrum-half Ollie Frost was on hand to pick up and score the try which Walker converted.

Worcester lost Tuitupou to the sin bin for a high tackle after 72 minutes, but despite this they extended their lead when once again.

Their pack constructed an impressive drive close to the Newcastle line from which replacement flanker Jake Abbott scored, with Walker converting to ram home the Warriors' second-half superiority.