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Rugby Union

Newcastle complete all-English Challenge Cup semis

06/04/2008

Newcastle Falcons have beaten French side Castres 40-13 to join Sale, Worcester and Bath in an all-English semi-final of the European Challenge Cup.

The Falcons struggled in cold conditions at Kingston Park during the first half, making a series of handling errors to allow Castres to get a foothold in the game.

John Rudd scored an early try for the Falcons but an Iosefa Tekori try and eight points from the boot of Romain Teulet put the visitors ahead.

Jonny Wilkinson scored two penalties to put Newcastle 14-13 in front at the break but it was only after half time that the Falcons managed to pull away.

All Black Carl Hayman scored from short-range before substitute Tom Dillon dived-in in the corner. James Grindal scored a break away try and Brent Wilson capped the win with a try following a charge-down.

The Falcons will play Worcester in the semi-finals after the Warriors survived a second half fightback from Montpellier to qualify for the last four.

Rico Gear scored two tries while team-mates Miles Benjamin, Sam Tuitupou and Craig Gillies also touched down as the Warriors scored 33 points in the first half.

However, Fulgence Ouedraogo and Vasco Uva also scored in the first half for Montpellier to give the French side hope.

They continued their fightback in the second period with scores from Fabien Rofes and Warren Britz but a late penalty for Worcester by Shane Drahm helped the home side to a 36-26 win.

In the day's other quarter-final Bath easily overcame Leeds 57-5 at The Rec, scoring eight tries in total, with winger Matt Banahan claiming a hat-trick.