Newcastle Falcons 41 - Borders 12
By Charlie Says (07/04/03)
October 25 2005
With their main focus set on the remaining ZP fixtures, Newcastle used this friendly fixture as just the tonic they needed to take them into next Saturday's game against Gloucester.
In our previous match against the Borders, we were 10-0 down in the first few minutes before the Falcons managed to find their, all be it slightly unstable, footing. Our only points coming from tries by Michael Stephenson in the first half and Captain Hugh Vyvyan early in the second half. That was it as far as the Falcons scoring went. The game finished 24-10 to the Borders.
This time out and on home territory the Falcons, led by Captain Stuart Grimes (pictured), certainly gave the Borders a run for their money and something to think about.
Newcastle Falcons started strong and looked a very different team that played in Scotland pre season. An early intercepted pass by Joe Shaw led to a strong and convincing maul. Borders conceded an early penalty for tackling James Grindal without the ball. Falcons kicked for the corner and Mark Andrews won the resulting lineout. An excellent run followed by Jon Dunbar, as he tore through the visitors' defence resulting in a 9th minute try for Joe Shaw.
After just 15 minutes the Falcons looked sharp with the majority of the ball possession, excellent passing and the crunching tackles we have seen of late. There was a bit of a worrying moment when Ian Peel went down with what seemed to be an injury to his hand but after some quick TLC and ice from the physio he was up and at them in no time.
Borders put Newcastle under pressure a little into the first half by maintaining possession and making some good yards. A turnover following a massive tackle by Michael Stephenson resulted in a storming run down the wing by Jamie Noon, only to be pulled back for a foot in touch. After 17 minutes the Borders had to replace injured Captain Gary Armstrong. This is bound to be a big worry for the Scottish side who have a big game next week against Glasgow. With Shaun Longstaff on for the injured Armstrong, the Borders continued to pressure the Falcons but a lucky break and some terrific running by Michael Stephenson, who covered the width of the pitch with lightening speed, led to a try by the Falcons' Captain Stuart Grimes. Phil Godman converted and home team was 12-0 up after 22 minutes.
With better ball retention by Newcastle after the kick off, it was not long before Stuart Grimes was over for another try and Phil Godman once again converted to make it 19-0.
The Borders' restart was pulled back when Gregor Townsend failed to kick 10 metres but the Borders' No.7 Semo Sititi did well to spoil the resulting scrum. A thundering tackle by Tom May rudely interrupted a good break down the wing by Tanner Vili. Further tough tackling by Mark Mayerhofler stopped the Borders in their tracks. With possession back, a magical dummy pass and inspiring run took Michael Stephenson under the posts. Once again, converted by Phil Godman. At half time Newcastle had a comfortable lead at 26-0.
With wholesale changes made by both teams in the second half, the Borders came out fighting and it was not long before No. 12 Kevin Utterson was over the try line and between the posts to score their first points of the game. A conversion made sure they collected all 7 points on offer. After this little wake up call for Newcastle it was back to business with more hard work done by Jon Dunbar (pictured), who was obviously enjoying this and glad to be back in the team. His hard work was awarded when he stormed over for a try.
Unfortunately Newcastle lost Gareth Maclure after just 15 minutes of the second half with what looked like a hamstring injury. More upset for the home team followed as a missed tackle by Joe Shaw led to a try in the corner for the Borders. Michael Stephenson was quick to reply with a great run and a cheeky chip ahead through the Borders defence. A lucky bounce enabled Stephenson to pick up and run to score his second try of the game.
With the Borders fighting a losing battle, a 5 yard try in injury time by James Isaacson (pictured), who later claimed "even tries from that distance count", sealed the Scottish visitors fate. Final score 41-12.
Commenting after the game, Rob Andrew said he was delighted with the way the game turned out. The team did everything he had asked of them and he believed they all got something out of the game for themselves. He praised the good tries scored and said the game had been a worthwhile exercise for the squad going to Gloucester next week.
A very convincing win by Newcastle Falcons. They looked sharp and on form. Lets hope we can maintain this edge and cause Gloucester some real problems when we visit them next week.
Newcastle Falcons vs Borders Preview
