Wilkinson return halts Bristol

Jonny Wilkinson came through unscathed as Newcastle beat Bristol 26-21.

Jonny Wilkinson came through his latest return from injury unscathed as Newcastle shocked leaders Bristol 26-21 at Kingston Park.

The England fly-half, yet to reappear on the international stage since the 2003 World Cup final, managed 80 magical minutes, scoring 11 points.

However, it was England team-mate Mathew Tait that made the biggest impact, with the discarded centre scoring the first of his side's three tries.

Tait had been tipped to start for England against New Zealand, only for the 20-year-old to be dropped from the squad with a slight muscle tear to his quad.

However, the "injury" did not prevent Tait starting for the Falcons, alongside Toby Flood who was also jettisoned from Andy Robinson's immediate plans.

The performances of Wilkinson, Tait and Flood will certainly have pleased elite rugby director - and former Falcons coach - Rob Andrew, who wants England to play a more expansive brand of rugby.

Wilkinson is unlikely to force his way into contention for the autumn internationals, with both club and country wary of rushing him back, however Tait and Flood will have done their chances no harm - especially with Argentina next up at Twickenham on November 11.

Newcastle, though, would undoubtedly love to be able to retain their services after inflicting this defeat on the Premiership leaders - albeit only after Bristol had threatened a late comeback.

The impressive Bristol fly-half Jason Strange had opened the scoring for hs side with a second-minute penalty - however Newcastle hit back in fine style.

Tait crossed for the opening try and although Wilkinson missed the conversion, he made amend with a drop-goal on 15 minutes, quickly followed by a penalty.

Hooker Matt Thompson dived over for Newcastle's second try of the night for a 16-3 lead before Strange kept the visitors in touch with a penalty.

However, Brent Wilson's try and Wilkinson's conversion ensured the Falcons had a comfortable 23-6 advantage at half-time.

Strange and Wilkinson swapped penalties after the break before Bristol attempted to upset the odds.

Winger Lee Robinson and No 8 Dan Ward-Smith both crossed for tries, with Strange converting one to set up a tense final 15 minutes.

However, the Falcons defence held firm to move them clear of relegation problems, while the defeat - and Sale's victory over Wasps - sees Bristol's lead cut to one point.