Wasps finish 2016 top of Aviva Premiership

Wasps secured all 5 points on Friday night as they came out trumps against a spirited Newcastle Falcons side.

It was an enthralling clash, with the home side started the better of the two sides after Falcons scrum half Tane Takula dotted down after just 2 minutes of play. It got better for the Falcons as straight from the resulting kick off, the ball fell straight to flyer Marcus Watson, who showed great pace to add a 2nd try just a minute later.

12-0 up and 4 minutes in, Falcons were flying, but 15 minutes later a moment of brilliance of Danny Cipriani brought Wasps back into the game. Cipriani chipped over the Falcons defence and reclaimed his kick to dot down at an important time. Just minutes later Wasps led, Dan Robson grubbered through and Christian Wade showed his electric place to just about touch down.

Falcons came back though after front row Rob Vickers powered through the Wasps defensive and Joel Hodgson converted to put the home side 19-14 in the lead. Hodgson added another 3 points off the boot, then on the stroke of half time Thomas Young added to his try last week with a crash ball over the line to leave a point between the sides at the break.

Danny Cipriani was forced off to half time after rolling his ankle with Jimmy Gopperth coming on against his former club and the out half made an instant impact, scoring within 5 minutes after showing some good strength to get over the line, securing the bonus point for the away side.

The game quietened down for a period in the second half, with Falcons adding another penalty and Wasps adding a further two, including a monster kick from Elliot Daly. 

Trailing by 9 as they entered the final 10 minutes, Falcons ramped up the pressure and eventually got their score in the 78th minute from Mark Wilson to setup a nail biting finish. Falcons pushed until the 83rd minuted but couldn't find a way over and have to settle for 2 losing points with the final score Falcons 30-34 Wasps.

A valiant effort from Falcons who are rising in stock every week they go on in this competition but credit must go to Wasps who will end the year top of the table.