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Rugby Union

Wasps cruise past Newcastle to claim third place

07/05/2008

Wasps completed a comprehensive 32-13 win over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park to move into third place in the Guinness Premiership.

Ian McGeechan's side helped their chances of securing a playoff place with their ninth win in ten matches, while Newcastle failed to repeat their heroic win over Leicester at the weekend.

The soon-to-depart Falcons trio of Mathew Tait, Toby Flood and Ben Woods were all left out of the side while Jonny Wilkinson was also missing through injury.

Wasps rested Lawrence Dallaglio, Raphael Ibanez and Tom Voyce but were still too strong for Newcastle.

The Falcons took a surprise lead when Tom May crossed the whitewash early on but Wasps fought back quickly and were soon ahead thanks to a penalty from Danny Cipriani and a try by James Haskell.

Ricki Flutey and Paul Sackey always looked dangerous on the break but Wasps found their second score in a similar way to their first try as flanker Tom Rees forced his way over from short-range.

Winger Ollie Phillips scored the Falcons' other try to cut Wasps advantage to 15-13 at half time.

Wasps broke Newcastle's resistance three minutes into the second half with the try of the match. They passed the ball along the back line before releasing Sackey who sprinted 80 metres to score.

Five minutes from time Wasps secured a bonus point with their fourth try of the match. Josh Lewsey sliced through the Falcons' tired defence and Cipriani added his fifth successful attempt at goal to seal the win.

Wasps are now three points behind Bath and two ahead of Sale as they chase a home playoff match. Their final game of the season will be against Leeds who have already been relegated.