Cup kings Newcastle hit top form in the league today as they held off a late
charge from top-four challengers Bath in front of a record 7,000 crowd at
Kingston Park.
Rob Andrew's side, who face Harlequins in the Tetley's Bitter Cup final at
Twickenham on February 24 and the same opposition in the last four stage of the
European Shield, deserved their win after making the most of a strong wind which
blew down the field for the entire contest.
England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was again outstanding, linking with full-back
Dave Walder to create the first two Newcastle tries, then keeping the visitors
penned in their own half with his mighty boot for long periods after the
interval.
Bath, who dropped from second to fourth following wins by Wasps and
Northampton yesterday, failed to capitalise on a clear edge in possession when
the elements were in their favour.
And, though a quick-fire brace from winger Tom Voyce brought them to within a
single point, they could not force their way over again in the final 10 minutes
to seal the win.
After showing off his defensive attributes against Wales last week, Wilkinson
proved his worth in attack for the Falcons this afternoon.
Walder cut through after Va'aiga Tuigamala had caused panic in the visitors'
defence and as Matt Perry closed in to tackle, Wilkinson appeared on his
team-mate's shoulder to take the pass and race away into open space.
Wilkinson encountered goalkicking difficulties immediately as what should have
been a routine conversion from 15 metres out barely passed the crossbar before
being blown back.
Bath did recover through two Jon Preston penalties and exerted more pressure
on the half hour which was rewarded when Mike Tindall collected a pass from
England team-mate Mike Catt and had the strength to reach over.
But though they continued to dominate, the visitors held just a single point
lead at the break.
On the stroke of half-time, Walder had finished off a length of the field move
when he took Wilkinson's pass 35 metres out and sprinted clear.
It visibly rocked a Bath side who had been seen as the only realistic
challengers to league leaders Leicester and by the time they recovered midway
through the second half, Newcastle had swept into a clear lead.
Another of Andrew's youthful contingent of talent, winger Michael Stephenson
outpaced the Bath cover within four minutes of the restart and was quickly
followed over the line by veteran scrum-half Gary Armstrong.
The former Scotland man, in combative mood around the ruck area, burrowed his
way over from close range after the Newcastle forwards had camped on their
opponents' line.
With the game almost won, Newcastle inexplicably eased off and Voyce nearly
made them pay.
The Bath winger twice sped in at the corner and only two failed Preston
conversion attempts stopped them from regaining the lead.
However, Newcastle responded to the let-off, regrouped and shoved their
opponents backwards to send the home fans home happy.
Teams
Newcastle: Walder, Stephenson, Botham, May, Tuigamala,
Wilkinson, Armstrong, Ward, Nesdale, Hurter, Grimes, Weir,
Devonshire, Mower, Jenner.
Replacements: Peel for Ward (54), Howe for Nesdale (65),
Vyvyan for Weir (60).
Not Used: Cook, MacLure, Charlton, Rule.
Tries: Wilkinson, Walder, Stephenson, Armstrong.
Cons: Wilkinson 2.
Bath: Perry, Balshaw, Maggs,
Tindall, Voyce, Catt, Preston,
Barnes, Regan, Emms, Haag, Borthwick, G. Thomas, Clarke, Lyle.
Replacements: Long for Regan (78), Lloyd for Haag (58),
N. Thomas for Clarke (78).
Not Used: Williams, Hopcroft, Berne, Thirlby.
Tries: Tindall, Voyce 2.
Cons: Preston.
Pens: Preston 2.
Att: 7,319
Ref: John Barnard (RFU).
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