Visitors moved up to second place in the Premiership table with a 28-17 victory – after securing the bonus point in unruly first half
: Getty Images/George Wood
Newcastle Falcons 17 Bath 28
Bath moved a step closer to the Gallagher Premiership play-offs with a 28-17 win over rock-bottom Newcastle at Kingston Park.
The away side secured the attacking bonus point in a rampant first half – Thomas du Toit, Ben Spencer, Joe Cokanasiga and Matt Gallagher all scoring trieswith only Jamie Blamire’s double providing respite for their opponents.
The returning Finn Russell was imperious from the tee, nailing all four conversions to give his side a commanding 28-10 lead at half-time.
Sam Stuart’s try after the interval was reward for a spirited display from the home side, who stopped Bath from notching any points to add to their first-half haul – but there was no comeback for the crowd to savour, with Bath moving second.
Sam Stuart strikes for @FalconsRugby ⚡️Game on at Kingston Park ????#GallagherPrem | #NEWvBAT pic.twitter/o2495fI0ew
Russell was restored to the starting line-up for the visitors, his first start since picking up a groin injury in the Champions Cup defeat by Exeter last month.
It took less than five minutes for his side to open the scoring, Du Toit scooping up a loose ball and dotting down for his 11th try of the season.
The onslaught continued, with the Falcons unable to stop the yellow tide early on.
Spencer was next to score, taking the ball from a ruck in the 13th minute and weaving his way through the posts, also surviving a TMO review.
Quick thinking ????It's a try for @Ben_spencer9 as @BathRugby keep on going about their business in the North East ????#GallagherPrem | #NEWvBAT pic.twitter/5h2NsRqi4L
The hosts should have cut the deficit seven minutes later when Cameron Hutchison broke through the line to force a two-on-two situation, but his offload to Guy Pepper was sloppy and the chance was gone.
Comments
More stories
More from Rugby Union
More from The Telegraph
