Falcons beat Wasps for first time at Adams Park

NEWCASTLE Falcons climbed to sixth in the Guinness Premiership after fly-half Jimmy Gopperth kicked them to their first victory over Wasps at Adams Park.

Gopperth kicked four penalties from seven attempts to end the Falcons' three-match losing streak and register the 12-6 win that was their first in nine visits to High Wycombe.

Endless kicking, much of it aimless, combined with high error and penalty counts, tested the patience of supporters in freezing conditions. Lions lock Simon Shaw rose above the mediocrity to become the dominant forward on the pitch. But there were precious few highlights in a drab encounter settled by penalties, with Shaw foiled by Carl Hayman in the only try-scoring chance.