Simpson-Daniel rescues Gloucester

The centre scored two tries, including an injury-time equaliser, to bring a thrilling end to the EDF Energy Cup first-round clash against an injury-stricken Newcastle side.

The Falcons caught their hosts cold within 90 seconds when Ollie Phillips scored a try converted by Toby Flood, one of the few big names fit enough to start.

Aware that their scrum did not boast the same power as Gloucester's eight, Newcastle wasted no time getting the ball out through Hall Charlton to Flood, and with Tom May slotting into the line to create the extra space, Phillips was able to cut in between Iain Balshaw and Karl Pryce to scurry over.

Gloucester deployed their big men to run direct lines at the Falcons, clearing the way for Chris Paterson, Simpson-Daniel and Anthony Allen to turn on the style. But the tenacious Falcons forced plenty of errors and, aside a 15th-minute penalty to Paterson, Gloucester failed to breach their line.

Gloucester conceded a penalty line-out five metres out and the Falcons mustered a sterling rolling maul to put hooker Matt Thompson over. Flood pulled the conversion and the visitors led 12-3 with two minutes remaining until half-time.

Paterson's home debut was cut short three minutes into the second half when he was injured in a tackle and his replacement, Willie Walker, failed to get off the mark with his first penalty, but nailed his second.

Yet with Gloucester unable to turn their set-pieces into any useful positions and their scrappy defence giving up penalties, Flood added two more of his own to extend Newcastle's lead.

Gloucester finally organised themselves for a late rally, closing the gap when Simpson-Daniel skipped between Flood and Rudd in midfield and raced to the posts, with Walker converting. The pace of the game escalated and Flood or Tom May should have put the game beyond doubt, Flood missing two drop-goal attempts and May fumbling on the tryline when clear through.

Then by means of their determined defence and attacking hunger, and a handful of penalties to help them on their way, Gloucester snatched a late leveller, with Simpson-Daniel again bursting over to score, but Walker unable to add the extra two points.