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Rugby Union

Falcons overcome Saracens

30/12/2007

Newcastle survived a late comeback from Saracens to win 22-19 in the Guinness Premiership at Vicarage Road.

The Falcons looked to be cruising at the break with tries from Matthew Tait and Toby Flood giving them a 15-6 lead.

Saracens hit back in the second half with tries from Neil de Kock and Hugh Vyvyan which gave them the lead.

The visitors snatched victory three minutes from time when Jamie Noon crashed over, a result which lifts them into seventh place in the table.

Newcastle made the perfect start by scoring their first try in the second minute when a sweeping move ended with Toby Flood sending Tait through to cross the line, which was converted by Jonny Wilkinson.

Saracens got off the mark through a Gordon Ross penalty but conceded another try when Flood strolled through to score on 22 minutes.

Another Ross penalty was cancelled out by Wilkinson's effort to give the Falcons a nine-point lead at half-time.

The London side started the comeback when de Kock squeezed over the line, with the try confirmed by the television match official.

Saracens then grabbed the lead when ex-Newcastle captain Vyvyan touched down.

The Falcons clinched victory after they were awarded a penalty 40 metres out. Instead of aiming a kick at goal Newcastle fired their kick into the corner, resulting in Noon powering over.