An impressive first half display helped Newcastle Falcons move four points closer to Worcester following a 17-6 victory over the Warriors at Kingston Park.

Dean Richards’ men were much improved, controlling the lineout and breakdown battle, as they went into the interval 11 points in front thanks to Zach Kibirige and Toby Flood tries.

The Warriors attempted to get back into the contest in the second period but they were unable to break the Falcons’ impressive defence as the half stayed scoreless.

It has been an abysmal Premiership season for Newcastle but they gave their supporters plenty to cheer on Sunday. The hosts played with far more intensity and also put the away side’s lineout under significant pressure, which allowed them to dominate.

Despite the Tynesiders’ issues in 2018/19, one particular bright spark over recent weeks has been Kibirige’s form. Injuries and off-field issues have halted the 24-year-old’s progress but, following a two-try showing at Exeter last week, the wing opened the scoring against Worcester by scampering through a hole and touching down.

It boosted their confidence and, although two Duncan Weir penalties to Flood’s one briefly reduced the arrears, Newcastle extended their buffer when Falcons’ fly-half crossed the whitewash from close range.

At 17-6, the Warriors were under pressure but it almost became a catastrophic deficit when that man Kibirige got hold of the ball in space. He sprinted clear and chipped ahead before the wing appeared to regather and finish, but replays showed that he had just knocked on.

It meant that Newcastle’s advantage remained at 11 and gave Alan Solomons’ charges a semblance of hope going into the second period. They were simply not good enough, however, as the hosts’ rearguard consistently forced them back in the tackle.

Gary Graham, Will Welch and George McGuigan also controlled the contact area, preventing the Midlanders from gaining enough front foot ball. It was therefore a low quality half which ended with neither team troubling the scorers.