Newcastle edge clear in second half to beat Worcester in Challenge Cup opener

Newcastle scored four tries as they edged Worcester 31-26 in their European Challenge Cup opener at Kingston Park.

The sides were level at 21-21 at the break after three tries apiece, with Max Wright, Mike Brown and George McGuigan going over for the hosts and Worcester responding through a penalty try and efforts from Duhan van der Merwe and Harri Doel.

A second-half effort by Ollie Lindsay-Hague, coupled with a fourth conversion from Will Haydon-Wood, put the home side seven in front.

Will Chudley reduced the deficit for Worcester, but Fin Smith missed the conversion and Joel Hodgson wrapped up Newcastle’s victory with a late penalty.

An inexperienced Gloucester side claimed a creditable losing bonus point in a 19-13 defeat in Lyon

The Cherry and Whites survived a first-half onslaught to trail 6-3 at the break, with a Billy Twelvetrees penalty putting them on the scoresheet.

Jordan Taufua extended Lyon’s advantage, but Cameron Jordan replied with his first try for Gloucester as the visitors once again reduced the deficit to three points.

Jonathan Pelissie kicked the final points of the match for Lyon, but Gloucester were close enough to emerge with the losing bonus point.