Flood sets Toon alight as Goneva gives salute to Shearer
FORMER Newcastle United ball boy Toby Flood returned to St James’ Park the hero as the Falcons rewarded a club record crowd of 30,174 with a priceless victory in their pursuit of the playoffs.
Flood kicked three penalties in each half and converted Niki Goneva’s 22nd-minute try as well as expertly controlling the latter stages as Saints threatened to spoil the party.
Saints showed no signs of the travel sickness that has dogged them this season and outscored Newcastle three tries to one. However, the visitors were left with only a losing bonus point for their efforts with too many soft penalties handing Flood the chance to earn the black and white stripes on his back.
Newcastle’s decision to move this match to the Geordie citadel was fully vindicated by an attendance four times their average, and, most importantly, the result. A defeat here and questions would have been asked, especially as Gloucester’s win over London Irish had temporarily removed them from a top four spot.
Before kick-off, Newcastle fans, old and new, rose to applaud club legend and motor neurone sufferer Doddie Weir who walked on with his sons to deliver the match ball. With emotions running high, Newcastle tore into Northampton and would have scored within the first minute had referee JP Doyle not chalked off Sinoti Sinoti’s ‘try’ for a knock on in the build-up.
Shortly after Flood’s first penalty, Sinoti was denied again by a desperate double tackle from Ahsee Tuala and Nic Groom after a brilliant break from Nili Latu at the back of a scrum had put Newcastle on the front foot.
Then, at the other end, Tuala carved open the Newcastle defence with a jinxing run that set up the platform for the first try of the game, on 11 minutes, through Dave Ribbans.
Another Flood penalty edged Newcastle in front before the home side scored their first try. Saints’ lack of defensive guards around the ruck had already been exposed before Niki Goneva picked up from the back of a ruck to stroll home for his 50th Premiership try, producing a one-arm salute celebration in homage to Newcastle United hero Alan Shearer.
Goneva would have been the first to put his hands up for Saints’ next try, the winger dropping a bomb on the 22 which Rob Horne seized upon to score. Myler’s conversion made it a one-point game but Flood booted another penalty for a half-time score of 16-12.
Northampton’s ill-discipline cost them three minutes into the second half but, again, they refused to lie down, scoring in the corner through Nafi Tuitavake.
Myler’s conversion levelled the scores at 19-19 and a genuine Geordie roar reverberated around the ground from that point, as the match reached a rousing finish.
Flood and Myler traded penalties and the score was 22-22 until Flood took on a 46-metre shot at goal and the ball just crept over.
