Will Bristol keep their home run vs the Falcons?

Try scorer
By Duncan Wood
November 6 2002

Julian White was the first try scorer vs Newcastle last time out. That contributed to the 3rd Bristol Shoguns win in a row over Newcastle Falcons at the Memorial Stadium. Will the run continue?

We've actually got a decent record against Newcastle at home since our return to the top flight. Our form at Kingston Park is shaky but at the Memorial Stadium, it's 3 wins from 3.

In 1999-2000, tries from Barry Williams, Lee Best and Jamie Williams contributed to a 30-11 victory.

2000-1 saw Bristol hitting form after a dodgy start to the season and tries from Gareth Baber, Felipe Contepomi and David Rees helped Bristol to a 27-14 win.

Last season was a close affair until shortly before half time and Bristol ran away with it in the second half. Julian White, Adam Vander, Phil Christophers and Jamie Williams crossed the line to give Bristol a bonus point and a 33-17 win.

A repeat of any of these results would be most welcome on Sunday but a win with a bonus point would be absolutely superb for the Shoguns as they strive to get off the bottom of the table.

Interestingly, all 3 of the wins mentioned above were achieved against a Falcons side containing Jonny Wilkinson who, it has to be said, hasn't looked as good a player in Bristol as we all know he can be. On Sunday, he'll be missing having played for England the day before. In the absence of Dave Walder (injury), Newcastle have signed former Richmond, Worcester and Samoa fly half on a temporary basis.

Hopefully, the absence of Jonny won't buck the recent trend!