WARRIORS.

7 PENNELL – one of the shining lights for Warriors as he attacked with purpose and demonstrated nerves of steel to land a long-range penalty to draw his side level. My man of the match.

7 Heem – was Worcester’s most dangerous runner, beating several Falcons players with his pace and power. He was forced off at half-time with an ankle issue and Warriors missed him.

5 Venter – his partnership with Mills in midfield has yet to fire and did little when he was moved out to the wing. His collision with Pennell when they both went for a high ball summed up his afternoon.

5 Mills – his grubber kick created Weir’s try but this was a fleeting moment of good execution from the centre who made some poor decisions.

6 Adams – buzzed around the field, showing his fine footwork at times, but was made to work hard for his opportunities as Worcester struggled to click in attack.

6 Weir – took his try really well as he gathered Mills’ kick and touched down and although he wasn’t entirely faultless he kicked pretty well out of hand.

6 Hougaard – returning to the side the scrum-half showed tenacity in defence to secure a couple of turnovers but was guilty of choosing the wrong option on occasions.

6 Black – held up his end of the scrum and even sent the imposing Mulipola marching back but was guilty of missing the odd tackle and did not add much in the loose.

4 Taufete’e – stepping in for Annett the hooker had a terrible time at the lineout as several of his throws failed to hit the target and he gained very few metres with ball in hand.

4 Kerrod – had a torrid afternoon as he failed to stop Mavinga charging through in the lead up to Falcons’ first try and struggled in the scrum, conceding three penalties.

5 Phillips – hammered away at Falcons’ defence without giving Warriors much go-forward and was part of a dysfunctional lineout.

4 Barry – not only was the lineout a mess but he coughed up too much ball and spurned a great chance when his intended pass to Adams went straight out into touch. A bad day to forget.

7 Mama – was crunched by a Falcons player in the opening minute but got back up and proved to be Warriors’ biggest ball carrier, making numerous surges up field.

6 Lewis – made a whopping 16 tackles but conceded a silly penalty in front of the posts for lying on the ball and was quiet in attack.

5 van Velze – managed to keep his players' heads up after Worcester fell 14-0 behind but often found himself going backwards rather than forwards when he took the ball on.

Replacements: Beck 5 (Heem 41), Singleton 5 (Taufete’e 51), Bower 6 (Bower 51), Milasinovich 6 (Kerrod 57), Bresler 6 (Phillips 57), Fa’osiliva 6 (Mama 57). Not used: Heaney.

Attendance: 5,641.

Referee: W Barnes.

Newcastle Falcons: Hammersley; Radwan (Penny 50), Harris, Williams, Sinoti; Flood, Takulua (Stuart 68); Mavinga (Brocklebank 73), McGuigan, Mulipola (Payne 50), Green, Witty, Wilson, Welch, Chick (Graham 69). Not used: Cavubati, Hodgson.

RUN OF PLAY.

0-5: Takulua try, 5mins.

0-7: Flood conv, 6mins.

0-12: Sinoti try, 11mins.

0-14: Flood conv, 12mins.

3-14: Weir penalty, 21mins.

10-14: Penalty try, 40mins.

Half-time: Worcester Warriors 10-14 Newcastle Falcons.

10-17: Flood penalty, 45mins.

15-17: Weir try, 50mins.

17-17: Weir conv, 51mins.

17-20: Flood penalty, 57mins.

20-20: Pennell penalty, 69mins.

20-23: Flood penalty, 73mins.

Full-time: Worcester Warriors 20-23 Newcastle Falcons.