Final score: NEWCASTLE 10 NORTHAMPTON 35

NEWCASTLE FALCONS suffered an emphatic 35-10 defeat, their third loss in as many games, as Northampton returned to winning ways in the Aviva Premiership.

Saints had been stunned by Wasps last weekend, going down 20-16 - but they delivered an immediate response at Kingston Park.

Tries from Will Hooley, Alex Waller and Ken Pisi helped the defending champions to a 28-3 lead at half-time, Juan Pablo Socino responding with a penalty for the Falcons.

Newcastle rallied in the second half with Noah Cato crossing the whitewash after quick thinking from Will Welch before George North secured a bonus point for the Saints.

The defeat stretched Newcastle’s winless run to 19 games, with only Worcester and Rotherham having gone longer without tasting victory.

Northampton had suffered a blow in the buildup to the match with Tom Wood being forced to withdraw with a bad back, Jon Fisher replacing him in the starting XV for his first league start for the Saints.

It did not take long for the champions to find their stride with Hooley, starting in place of the injured Stephen Myler, spotting a gap in the Falcons’ defence to stretch over in the corner after four minutes.

The fly-half added the extras and things went from bad to worse for the Falcons when Ally Hogg was sent to the sin-bin moments later for a tackle off the ball, Hooley converting the resulting penalty.

Northampton built an 18-0 lead before Socino got the Falcons on the board with a penalty in the 18th minute, but it was swiftly cancelled out by Hooley, before Northampton broke on the counter-attack to score their third try of the half.

Newcastle rallied after the break and the hosts’ improved performance would be rewarded on 70 minutes. Northampton were penalised at the break-down just outside their own 22 and a quick tap-and-go from Falcons captain Welch released Cato to streak clear under the posts, Socino converting.

However, Saints responded well to wrap up the bonus point in the final two minutes.