By ANDI
STARR
NOTTINGHAM crashed out of the British and Irish Cup,
well beaten by Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.
The 72-17 scoreline tells its own story as a near full strength
Falcons side simply blew Nottingham's youngsters away with a
dominant, controlled display.
One piece of good news for the Green and Whites was that Phil
Eggleshaw started a game for the first time this season.
But it was a largely inexperienced Nottingham side, and they
never looked like matching Falcons.
If those youngsters respond positively though, and absorb the
lessons dished out by Falcons, it could still be a valuable step
along their respective learning curves.
Both kickers missed early chances to take the lead, whilst
Nottingham forged the first try-scoring opportunity when James
Stokes broke the line before being brought down by Jimmy
Gopperth.
Three tries from Falcons in the space of eight minutes though
brought the game to life, with Ryan Shortland, Tom Catterick and
Jamie Helleur all crossing, and Gopperth slotting over a couple of
conversions for a 17-nil lead.
But Nottingham reacted well, forcing a penalty for Rory Lynn to
get their first points on the board only for the home side to hit
straight back with another try apiece from Catterrick and
Shortland.
The Green and Whites scored with the last play of the first half
as Alex Shaw crashed over with Lynn converting to make it
29-10 at the break.
Falcons maintained their scoring form over the second period
though, Gopperth grabbing for an early try and Mark Wilson, Scott
MacLeod and Alex Tait also crossing.
Andy Forsyth took advantage of an interception to race clear for
a Nottingham try, but it was little more than a blip as Falcons
continued their domination.
Two late tries from replacement Joel Hodgson completed the
scoring.
Newcastle Falcons 72 (Shortland 2, Hodgson 2,
Helleur, Catterick, Gopperth, Wilson, Fury, Tait, R Mayhew, Tries;
Gopperth 6, Hodgson Conv; Gopperth Pen) Nottingham Rugby
17 (Shaw, Forsyth Tries; Lynn 2 Conv; Lynn Pen)
NEWCASTLE: Catterick, Cato, Powell, Helleur,
Shortland (Tait 60), Gopperth (Hodgson 69), Fury (Pasqualin 60),
Shiells, Tompson (M Mayhew 52), Hall (S Wilson 52), Tomes (R
Mayhew), MacLeod, Tu'ifu (O Stedman 40) M Wilson, Hogg
NOTTINGHAM: Stokes (Romans 79), Bradford,
Cobden, Forsyth, Hough, Lynn, Barnham, Harris (Stevens 57), Malton
(Parr 57), Bower (Shields 57), Quinn, Price Eggleshaw, Calladine,
Shaw.
Referee: Tim Wigglesworth. Attendance: 3,130.