To their credit Keys never threw in the towel and can perhaps feel a little hard done by the final 52-5 scoreline
On more than one occassion Keys were on the receiving end of some strange decisions by the match officials, led by Scottish referee Johann van der Merwe particularly when a try was awarded on the stroke of half time when it seemed clear that the corner flag had been touched way before the ball was grounded.
Keys suffered yet more injury problems with Luke Ford stretchered off, although the injury does not seem as bad as first feared. Also forced off through injury were Nathan Trowbridge and Dean Gunter – both it seems with hand injuries.
Keys can feel proud of their efforts against a Falcons side packed with quality who will no doubt go far in this competition. Keys sole score came from replacement Jonathan Lewis who finished off a fine move in the dying minutes of the game.
Scorers:
Newcastle: Tries: Michael Tait, Zach Kirbirige, Taisina Tuifua, Will Welch, Suka Hufanga, Michael Mayhew, pen try; Cons: Waisea Luveniyali (x4), Joel Hodgson (x2)
Cross Keys: Try: Jonathan Lewis
