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Rugby League

Wilkinson and Tindall injured in Newcastle win

13/04/2007

Jonny Wilkinson and Mike Tindall were both injured as Newcastle beat Gloucester 19-12 at Kingston Park.

Wilkinson left the field after 55 minutes with what appeared to be a rib complaint as his injury jinx continues, though at this stage the full extent of the damage is not known.

England coach Brian Ashton will also be worried about the fitness of Tindall ahead of the tour to South Africa after the Gloucester centre limped out of the game with a leg injury.

The Cherry and Whites took an early lead thanks to the boot of Ryan Lamb whose two penalties inside the first 12 minutes gave the visitors an ideal start.

But Newcastle bounced back with a try from Toby Flood five minutes later. Wilkinson charged down Lamb's attempted drop goal, gathered the ball and set Flood free to score.

Wilkinson added the conversion and a penalty shortly afterwards to extend the Falcons' advantage before Lamb grabbed three points back just before the break.

Tindall then had to leave the field as Newcastle probed for another try before Wilkinson was also taken off at the start of the second period. England team-mate Flood moved to fly-half and assumed the kicking duties as well.

Both sides cancelled each other out in what was becoming a game of attrition, but Flood was able to add two penalties midway through the second period to lengthen the Falcons' lead.

Newcastle held on despite a Willie Walker penalty just before the end. But those three points could prove vital to the West Country men as it gave them a bonus point returning them to the top of the table.

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