Falcons soar with Wilkinson

Jonny Wilkinson kicked two conversions and a penalty in Newcastle's 17-3 win over Bristol and become the leading points scorer in Guinness Premiership history.

The England international's new record was the highlight of an otherwise forgettable night of action at Kinstohn Park between two teams tipped to struggle this season.

Having been heavily beaten on their travels at Saracens last Sunday, the home side were eager to get back on track.

However, they were up against a Bristol side who came into the contest off the back of nine straight league defeats, a dire run of form that stretched back six months.

Losing streak

Their hopes of not taking their losing streak into double figures were boosted by an early Ed Barnes penalty after Newcastle were caught offside in front of their own posts.

That proved to be as good as it got for the visitors, though, Newcastle shutting their opponents out for the next 77 minutes to make it two wins from two on home soil.

They managed to cross twice in the process, Adam Balding getting the first on 23 minutes after good build-up work by Joe McDonell, recalled to the front row, and number eight Phil Dowson.

The former Gloucester forward helped give the Falcons a 10-3 half time lead as Wilkinson added the conversion having already slotted over an eighth-minute penalty that had levelled the scores.

Greasy pitch

The advantage could have been even greater had Tim Visser not been driven into touch by the corner flag following Jamie Noon's powerful break.

A greasy pitch did little to aid free-flowing rugby in the second half, though Newcastle still managed to string a move together to grab a second try.

Tom May carved a way through the Bristol defence to get winger John Rudd enough room to crash over in the corner.

The touchline conversion was added by Wilkinson, who has now moved past former Leicester number 10 Andy Goode on the all-time points list.