Wilkinson’s arrival not enough to save Newcastle

NOT even the half-time introduction of Jonny Wilkinson could save Newcastle from being dumped out of the Powergen Cup by Saracens 22-20 at Vicarage Road yesterday.

The England fly-half, continuing his comeback from injury, inspired a spirited second-half fightback from the Falcons only to see the defence of their trophy go up in flames.

Newcastle had battled back from 17-5 down at half-time to within two points of Saracens.