Newcastle Falcons dreams of lifting the LV= Cup were foiled, after Alan Tait's men were defeated by a talented Gloucester outfit, at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday afternoon.

Gloucester took the early initiative with a try from winger Tom Voyce within the first 10 minutes. Quick hands in the back division, courtesy of fly-half Nicky Robinson and Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, gave Voyce the chance to squeeze in at the corner despite the valiant attempts of Luke Fielden. Robinson converted from the touchline for a 7-0 lead.

The Falcons responded well with some creative play in the midfield thanks to scrum half Micky Young. Young demonstrated his intelligence at half-back with a jinxing run and pass to Alex Tait, who in turn offloaded to Fielden. Fielden did well to stay in the field of play to provide the platform for another sweeping move as Tane Tu’ipulotu attempted to break the Cherry and Whites’ rearguard.

Newcastle were unfortunate not to come away with some points and soon found themselves 10-0 down as Robinson notched over a penalty with a quarter of the match played.

Goal-kicking specialist Jimmy Gopperth had the chance to peg back Gloucester’s advantage five minutes later with a penalty from half-way. However, the Kiwi’s kick drifted wide of the upright and the score remained 10-0.

The northeasterners continued to apply themselves well and hard-hitting centre James Fitzpatrick had the Falcons fans on their feet with a no nonsense burst. He fed wide-man Fielden who was thwarted by his marker.

The second stanza began in frantic fashion with Gloucester looking to cross the whitewash, but Tait’s men stood firm.

Gloucester extended their lead on 48 minutes through a Robinson penalty following an infringement at the ruck. And the No. 10 delivered, to make it 13-0.

Newcastle pressed for an opening, but unfortunately went further behind courtesy of a Gloucester break-away try. Full back Olly Morgan darted through a gap to supply Fuimaono-Sapolu with a clear run to the line. Robinson converted to go into a 20-0 lead.

Tait’s troops continued their foray towards the try line but were unable to counteract a well organised defensive line.

Bryan Redpath’s side cemented the victory with a try from Charlie Sharples minutes from time, with Robinson superbly from an acute angle to triumph 27-0. Sharples finished off a free flowing move to touchdown in front of their own support.

Replcement James Hall demonstrated his go forward when he came on. His two drives towards the end of the match gave the Falcons the foundations for a five point score. Luke Eves scooted in for a try with Gopperth converting to reduce the arrears to 27-7.

However, Gloucester rubber stamped their victory with a further try following a driving maul. Robinsor despatched the conversion and it was the men from the West Country who lifted the trophy to secure their place in next season's Heineken Cup. 

The club would like to thank all Newcastle fans who made the long journey to Northampton. Your support is greatly appreciated and you were a credit to the north-east.

Newcastle

Tries: Eves
Cons: Gopperth
Pens:

Gloucester

Tries: Voyce, Sharples
Cons: Robinson (3)
Pens: Robinson (2)

Newcastle

1 Jon Golding
2 Matt Thompson
3 Kieran Brookes
4 James Hudson (Captain)
5 Andrew Van der Heijden
6 Tim Swinson
7 Brent Wilson
8 Ally Hogg

9 Micky Young
10 Jimmy Gopperth
11 Luke Eves
12 James Fitzpatrick
13 Tane Tu’ipulotu
14 Luke Fielden
15 Alex Tait

Replacements

16 Rob Vickers
17 Grant Shiells
18 James Hall
19 Filipo Levi
20 Mark Wilson
21 Hall Charlton
22 Gcobani Bobo
23 Tom Catterick

Gloucester

1 Nick Wood
2 Olivier Azam
3 Rupert Harden
4 Jim Hamilton
5 Alex Brown
6 Akapusi Qera
7 Andy Hazell
8 Luke Narraway (Captain)

9 Jordi Pasqualin
10 Nicky Robinson
11 Tom Voyce
12 Eliota Fuimaona-Sapolu
13 Tim Molenaar
14 Charlie Sharples
15 Olly Morgan

Replacements

16 Darren Dawidiuk
17 Yann Thomas
18 Shaun Knight
19 Will James
20 Matt Cox
21 Tim Taylor
22 Freddie Burns
23 Henry Trinder

Referee: Dave Pearson