Cropper's coming, but not just yet says Deano

NEWCASTLE continue to defy the pundits and thoroughly deserved this win over a flat and depleted Wasps team.

- ROB WILDMAN

Dean Richards’ unheralded squad have taken their Premiership rivals by surprise and were always in control of this contest to add to those closer wins over Sale and Bath.

Both teams scored three tries but Newcastle led 27-5 after 53 minutes and Wasps needed a muscular finish to cut the deficit into a more respectable scoreline.

“We will come a cropper at some stage but the plan is to keep it going,” said a delighted Richards.

Even the most devoted Geordie would never have predicted this undefeated start built on collective efforts which leave them chasing champions Exeter.

Falcons, led by No.8 Gary Graham upfront and the guidance of Toby Flood behind, grabbed the momentum early on and never let go to lead 17-5 at half-time thanks to tries from wing Adam Radwan and lock Marco Fuser.