Newcastle Falcons under 18 side played with plenty of passion and ambition at Kingston Park on Saturday afternoon, but ultimately came up short against their counterparts from Northampton.

From the kick off, the Falcons showed they were up for the game with a great hit coming in from Inside Centre Charlie Wilson. It failed to give the home side any momentum however as the Falcons were unable to secure their own lineout ball, giving Saints early possession with promising field position.

After a period of great defensive effort, an infringement from the Falcons gave the Saints a penalty in front of the Falcons posts, which fly half James Grayson successfully kicked to open the scoring.

With some impressive running rugby from the Saints backs, the Falcons gave away penalty for coming in at the side in a ruck, which the Saints kicked to touch opting for a chance of a try rather than another three points.

It was a gamble worth taking as Scrum Half Alex Mitchel peeled off the back of the driving maul to score a try from close range and take the Saints into an 0-8 lead.

Under attack again shortly after the restart, another strong and disciplined defensive showing from the Falcons allowed them to repel a sustained period of heavy attack on their own 5 metre line, clearing the danger with an impressive kick downfield from Fly Half Ryan Foreman.

Despite the Falcons showing good strength going forward, sloppy breakdown skills resulted in a Saints turn over. They quickly moved the ball wide and Saints 15 made a good break, forcing a penalty as the Falcons infringed, which Grayson duly kicked for 0-11.

A dazzling run from Full Back Ali Crossdale, following a retake of the ball at the restart took the Falcons into the Saints 22 for the first time in the game, but the home side again lost out at the breakdown, allowing the Saints to clear and relieve some pressure.

It was a short-lived respite however, as from the lineout, winger Adam Radwan scored a brilliant solo effort straight off the set piece showing outstanding pace and guile to exploit the space that was in front of him.

An almost immediate response from the Saints saw number eight Sam Easton score under posts with a strong crash ball which, with a successful conversion took the score to 5-18.

Following a flat spell, a penalty in the Saints half gave the Falcons a chance to kick start their afternoon, as the home side choose a kick to touch which gave them an attacking line out deep in the visitor’s 22.

The decision paid off, with a strong series of pick and drives from the Newcastle pack resulting in a converted try, Lewis Roxby the man to touch down with Foreman’s conversion taking the sides into half time at 12-18.

The second half began at an electric pace with both teams playing great running rugby from the outset.

A penalty for the Falcons saw captain Scrum Half Charlie Gowling make a quick break that took the hosts to within striking distance of the Saints line.

Despite a prolonged period of relentless pressure, the visitors were able to turn the ball over and kick to clear their lines. It was a sucker punch for the Falcons too, as the Saints then countered, spreading the ball through their back-line and eventually winning a penalty in front of the posts, which they kicked to extend their advantage.

A penalty and a sin bin for the Saints allowed the Falcons to quickly claw back those three points, however that would be as close as they would get, with the Saints cutting loose, scoring 24 unanswered points in the remainder of the half.

It was a frustrating turn of events as the and despite showing moments of brilliance both in attack and defense, a well rehearsed Saints were deserving of their win.

Despite the gap on the scoreboard, the encounter was hard fought and spoke volumes about the talent on offer from both sides.

The Falcons Under 18 side are next in league action against Sale Sharks and Kingston Park on Saturday 12th December.

Newcastle Falcons U18s

15 Ali Crossdale,14 Garry Izomer,13 Ben Stevenson,12 Charlie Wilson,11 Adam Radwan,10 Ryan Foreman, 9 Charlie Gowling ( C ) 8 Jack Johnson, 7 Drew Davidson, 6 Lewis Roxby, 5 Josh Williams, 4 Will Scott, 3 Tristan Grant, 2 Ralph Johnson,1 Jamie Blamire

Replacements.16 Mike Newstaed,17 Callum Rafrafi,18 Larry Mew,19 Alex Hayton, 20 Haydon Thompson-Green 21 Alex Pantechis, 22 Ikenna Obonna, 23 Connor Stewart

Northampton Saints U18s

15 Ollie Burgess,14 Tosin Segun,13 James Hamilton,12 Freddie Mckibbin,11 Adrian Sanday, 10 James Grayson, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Sam Easton , 7 Matt Watson, 6 Jake Carter, 5 Alan Gregory, 4 Ben Kelland, 3 Ehern Painter, 2 Alex Raymet, 1 Devante Onojaife.

Replacements 16 Rob Marmion,17 George Cave,18 Rhys Charalambous,19 Matt Waring, 20 Alex Branson, 21 Harry Warn, 22 Gregor Haldane, 23 Fraser Dingwall