Wasps kept up the pressure on the Zurich Premiership's top three with an
emphatic five-try demolition of Newcastle before a full house at the Causeway
Stadium.
After a poor start to the season Warren Gatland's men are beginning to
rediscover the form which swept them to them to the Heineken Cup and Premiership
double last season - despite missing a clutch of internationals.
This victory was their fourth in succession and came at the expense of a
Newcastle side which showed plenty of commitment but could not compete up-front
where Wasps' pack were in full control.
Richard Birkett, Tom Voyce, Joe Worsley, Mark van Gisbergen and Ayoola Erinle
all crossed for the English champions, securing a bonus point which leaves them
just two points adrift of third-placed Gloucester.
The Falcons almost matched their opponents on the try count with Epi Taione,
Jamie Noon, Semo Sititi and Michael Stephenson touching down.
But they were let down by poor discipline which was punished by the accurate
kicking of Ed Thrower and Alex King.
England skipper Jonny Wilkinson endured another mixed afternoon - he missed
just one of his five shots at goal but worryingly for England caretaker-coach
Andy Robinson he is still nowhere near his best.
Wilkinson's kicking out of hand was poor - he regularly failed to find touch -
while he never seemed entirely comfortable on the ball, causing concern ahead of
next month's Autumn internationals against Canada, Australia and South Africa.
The 25-year-old World Cup winner was prominent as Wasps' line came under siege
early on, however, when a well-worked move at the scrum saw the 25-year-old
supply the scoring pass to Taione, who galloped home unopposed from 10 yards
out.
Wilkinson converted but Wasps drew level in the 10th minute after sweeping
deep into Newcastle's half before centre Rob Hoadley combined with Birkett and
the second row's lengthy stride made light work of the run-in.
King added the extras and then booted a drop-goal for good measure as his side
began to assume full control, although one surging run from Australian World Cup
winner Matt Burke gave Falcons fans something to cheer about.
But Lawrence Dallaglio's men were swiftly back in command and scored their
second try when a series of forward drives had left Newcastle's defence
over-stretched, allowing Voyce to score a simple try after quick hands from his
fellow backs.
Wilkinson required brief treatment after taking a knock during the try and his
team's victory hopes were dealt a blow when Worsley crashed over in the corner
with winger Thrower kicking the conversion - King had left the field injured.
But a late flurry from Newcastle saw Charvis drive forward before the ball was
released to the Taione via Wilkinson and the big Tongan released Noon who
slipped home for a try improved by the England skipper.
Thrower and Wilkinson exchanged penalties shortly after the interval but it
was the Falcons who dominated the opening exchanges of the second half and they
were rewarded with Charvis' try.
Scotland lock Stuart Grimes won a line-out close to Wasps' line and his pack
powered forward before collapsing over the line with Charvis - Wales'
vice-captain - coming up with the ball.
But their good work was hampered in the 59th minute when Samoan number eight
Semo Sititi was sent to the sin-bin for killing the ball at a point where a
Wasps try seemed a distinct possibility and Thrower hit the three points.
Wilkinson required further attention from the Falcons' physio after taking a
bang to his arm and the visitors' hopes of continuing their fightback were
halted by a superb try from van Gisbergen.
Wasps' pack rumbled upfield following from a lineout and the ball was shipped
across the backline with considerable pace before it reached van Gisbergen, who
slipped in at the corner.
Ayoola Erinle beat Mathew Tait and Burke to claim Wasps' fifth try before
Michael Stephenson salvaged some reward for Newcastle with a 76th-minute
five-pointer which secured a losing bonus point.
Teams:
Wasps: van Gisbergen, Thrower, Richards, Hoadley, Voyce, King,
Dawson, Nwume, Greening, Payne, Hart, Birkett, Worsley,
O'Connor, Dallaglio.
Replacements: Erinle for Hoadley (49), Brooks for King (40),
Biljon for Dawson (46).
Not Used: Leota, Mackenzie, Lock, Haskell.
Tries: Birkett, Voyce, Worsley, van Gisbergen, Erinle.
Cons: King, Thrower 2.
Pens: King, Thrower 2.
Drop Goals: King.
Newcastle: Burke, May, Noon, Taione, Stephenson, J. Wilkinson,
Charlton, Ward, Long, Hurter, Gross, Grimes, McCarthy, Charvis,
Sititi.
Replacements: Tait for May (40), Isaacson for Ward (40).
Not Used: Mackie, Hamilton, Williamson, Walder, Grindal.
Sin Bin: Sititi (58).
Tries: Taione, Noon, Charvis, Stephenson.
Cons: J. Wilkinson 3.
Pens: J. Wilkinson.
Att: 10,000
Ref: D Rose (England).
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