WARRIORS

7 Pennell – never stopped running but missed three of his five kicks at goal and dropped the ball when he looked almost certain to score.

8 Heem – was a destructive runner, often coming inside to break tackles and became more threatening as the game wore on.

8 Te’o – showed what he’s made of in front of the Sixways faithful as he came into his own in the second period, linking up superbly with Heem and Willison in midfield.

8 Willison – was a real handful for Newcastle’s defence and kept Warriors’ attack flowing before being forced off for a head injury assessment late on.

7 Adams – while he didn’t add to try-scoring account he was effective with ball in hand as he contributed to some fine moves.

6 Shillcock – made a few mistakes and cut a frustrated figure when he was replaced by Jones who made a telling impact off the bench.

6 Arr – a solid showing but it was his replacement Dowsett who helped spark Warriors into action as their three tries came when the Australian was on the field.

8 Bower – coming in for the injured Waller, the prop delivered a strong 80-minute shift as he got his hands on the ball and made some useful yards.

7 Singleton – put in a couple of huge tackles, which dislodged the ball, and was solid at the line-out but was guilty of conceding a few penalties.

8 Schonert – missed a tackle on Goneva who went through for the opening try but more than made up for it with some superb scrummaging and a rare try.

6 Barry – fronted up well against an in-form Newcastle side, putting in several tackles before making way for Kitchener who was steady.

8 Spencer – was influential in Warriors’ fightback as he smashed his way forward on countless occasions. A fumble near the try-line was his only blemish.

9 DENTON – his intensity level never dropped as he carried superbly and was rewarded with two second-half tries. My man of the match.

7 Lewis – on his return from injury, the flanker set the tone for Worcester as he showed plenty of desire to get his side on the front foot from the off.

8 van Velze – with Warriors down at half-time, the number eight led by example as he kept his team driving on and disrupted Falcons’ lineout.

Replacements: Mama 7 (Lewis 48), Dowsett 8 (Arr 54), Kitchener 7 (Barry 54), Jones 8 (Shillcock 59), Hammond (Willison 70), Milasinovich (Schonert 75). Not used: Haupt, Kerrod.

Referee: Christophe Ridley.

Attendance: 7,891.

Newcastle Falcons: Tait, Goneva (Radwan 68), Harris, Matavesi (Waldouck 70), Sinoti Sinoti, Flood (Hodgson 55), Stuart; Lockwood (Vickers 68), Cooper (Lawson 31), Wilson, Green, Robinson (Witty 47), 6 Olmstead, Welch, Latu (Chick 68).

RUN OF PLAY.

3-0: Pennell penalty, 3mins.

3-3: Flood penalty, 24mins.

3-6: Flood penalty, 28mins.

6-6: Pennell penalty, 37mins.

6-11: Goneva try, 39mins.

6-13: Flood converts, 40mins.

Half-time: Worcester Warriors 6-13 Newcastle Falcons.

11-13: Denton try, 63mins.

13-13: Jones converts, 64mins.

18-13: Schonert try, 67mins.

20-13: Jones converts, 68mins.

25-13: Denton try, 75mins.

27-13: Jones converts, 76mins.

Full-time: Worcester Warriors 27-13 Newcastle Falcons.