NEWCASTLE // Jonny Wilkinson marked his return to action by with a match-winning display to lead the Newcastle Falcons to victory over Northampton in a scrappy game at Kingston Park. The England fly-half put in a superb 100 per cent kicking display, hitting 22 points and set up a try, on his return from shoulder surgery as the Premiership relegation favourites picked up their first win of the season.
The visitors held a deserved 12-6 lead at the break as they dominated territory and possession throughout the first half. The Saints' captain Bruce Reihana kicked three penalties and the fly-half Carlos Spencer added one of his own, with Wilkinson kicking the home side's points. But the Falcons hit back after the interval with the second-row Andy Buist and wing Ollie Phillips claiming tries and Wilkinson adding three penalties, two conversions and a drop goal.
The Scotland wing Sean Lamont got a try for the visitors and Reihana kicked five points but it was not enough for the Saints. Worcester snatched a dramatic victory over Wasps with a penalty from replacement fly-half Loki Crichton 10 minutes into injury time. The Samoan fly-half calmly slotted the 35-metre kick to inflict a second straight Premiership defeat on the defending champions. Worcester had taken the lead with a try from centre Sam Tuitupou and then a Matthew Jones penalty, before Wasps hit back through the England winger Paul Sackey.
Dave Walder, making his return from a broken ankle, slotted a penalty to push Wasps ahead ? but he missed a crucial late shot at goal. Then nine minutes into injury time, Miles Benjamin caused panic in the Wasps defence ? and Crichton was able to step up to seal the victory. * PA Sport
