Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle 19 Sale 19
Newcastle owner Dave Thompson is considering a formal complaint to the RFU after he believes his side relegation-fighting side were robbed of a win at home to Sale.
Thompson was incensed by a decision from referee Tim Wrigglesworth who allowed Sisa Koyamaibole’s try, despite there seeming to be a knock-on. “It was a disgraceful decision. There was a blatant knock-on and I’m considering making a formal complaint,” said Thompson.
Koyamaibole’s score put Sale in control, although Newcastle fought back via Jimmy Gopperth’s boot and Tim Swinson crashed over to level with three minutes left.
The draw leaves Newcastle on 12 points, five clear of bottom side Leeds, while Sale are on 20, a couple of wins away from Premiership safety.
“I did think the game had gone at 19-9 so I have to be happy we got back to 19-19,” said Newcastle coach Alan Tait. “There is plenty of talent here and I’m not about to press any panic buttons, there’s nothing to be gained from panicking. We do have quality players and I hope this draw and way we came back will kick-start our recovery.”
Watching the incident on the monitor, immediately after the game whilst speaking to ESPN, Tait said: “When you see the replay I can’t believe it. I heard the crowd’s reaction and even as I walked down to the tunnel after the game, they were all shouting it was a knock on. It’s gone now and we have to move on. I’ve praised the guys in the changing room and the boys who came off the bench were fantastic. Everyone played their part in the game.”
Newcastle (9) 19
Tries: Swinson Cons: Gopperth Pens: Gopperth 4
Sale (9) 19
Tries: Koyamaibole Cons: Hodgson Pens: Hodgson 3 Drop-goals: Hodgson
Newcastle: Manning, Fielden, Bobo, Tu’ipulotu, Amesbury, Gopperth, Young, Shiels, Thompson, Murray, Hudson, Swinson, B. Wilson, Welch, M. Wilson.
Replacements: Eves for Tu’ipulotu (55), Williams for Amesbury (73), Spice for Young (60), Golding for Shiels (46), Graham for Thompson (55), Brookes for Murray (68), Levi for B. Wilson (55).
Sin Bin: Swinson (24).
Sale: Sale: MacLeod, Williams, Bell, Tonetti, M. Tait, Hodgson, Peel, Sheridan, M. Jones, Wihongi, C. Jones, Ormsby, Gaskell, Fearns, Koyamaibole.
Replacements: Thornley for Tonetti (46).
Att: 4,225