Shane Howarth inspired Newport to an impressive 34-21 victory over Newcastle Falcons on Tyneside - scoring five penalties and two conversions as the Welshmen ran in three tries.

The home side were always in the hunt and only trailed 12-18 at half-time but could not find that vital edge going forward and relied on Jonny Wilkinson's boot.

The England and Lions star kicked all the Falcons' points - seven penalties - but it was Howarth who stole the show in front of a crowd of 6,000.