Bath 30 Newcastle 24

Three tries in the second half helped Bath secure a come-from-behind bonus point victory over Newcastle in icy conditions.

The match went ahead despite the recent sub-zero temperatures but there was little in the opening fifteen minutes to warm the spirits of those braving the cold. The first points came in the second minute when Ollie Barkley struck a penalty, and the hosts added to their lead 15 minutes later when Tom Heathcote's evasive running carved open an opportunity for Ollie Woodburn to score. But the Falcons struck back almost immediately, with Mark Wilson's try and Jimmy Gopperth's conversion taking the visitors to within a point. Then, just after the half-hour, Newcastle gained the advantage. A period of intense pressure resulted in a try for Rob Vickers and Gopperth's conversion made it 8-14. The Falcons held on to their lead until half-time but Bath made a stunning start to the second period, crossing for three tries in the first 25 minutes to turn the game on it's head. First, Anthony Perenise's grubber was snapped up by Woodburn, who crashed over the line, and five minutes later Bath were awarded a penalty try after the referee adjudged that Tom Biggs had been impeded while chasing a kick. The points were secured were Perenise crashed over out wide, with two Heathcote conversions helping to establish a 13-point cushion. The two sides then exchanged penalties before the Falcons crossed for a consolation try with the last play of the game, which Gopperth converted.