Very much a game of two halves here at Kingston park. The Falcons took the lead with Watson getting over against the run of play but Connacht, who had dominated possession, were eventually rewarded when Danie Poolman got over in the corner. Newcastle came out with all guns blazing and both a penalty try and sin binning from an Eoghan Masterson cynical tackle close to the line was the beginning of the end for Connacht. The Falcons made sure to take advantage of the extra man when Belisario Agulla got over in the corner. Another penalty try sealed the bonus point and Marcus Watson capped off a fine performance with his second try. Connacht suffered from numerous injuries and will have to recuperate before they face up against Ulster next week in the Pro12. Newcastle go level on points with Brive in the group and will see this victory as a great opportunity to take top spot off Connacht in the final two games in January.

Man of the Match: Marcus Watson

connachts strength in depth has definitely improved over the last few seasons, but they simply don't have the depth to deal with the kind of injuries they've had this season. Hopefully they can kick on next week if some of their wounded come back.

FT 29-5

Newcastle knock on and that will be the last play of the game.

From the chase, Connacht concede the scrum and Newcastle come forward. Not much intensity here as the game nears the end. 3 minutes to go.

Connacht concede a penalty from the scrum just inside their half. Newcastle can't make touch, though, so Niyi Adeolokun clears.

Connacht were looking to run it from their 22' but decide to clear which fails to make touch and Newcastle come back.

Connacht wanting to finish this on a somewhat positive and Craig Ronaldson has a lovely pass out to Rory Parata but it is forward.

9 minutes to go.

Newcastle break well from the scrum and get up to the Connacht 22' before spilling the ball forward.