Worcester reached the final of the European Challenge Cup after beating Newcastle 31-16 at Sixways.

The Warriors dominated an exciting match in which play had to be suspended for ten minutes early in the second half when the floodlights failed.

Tom May opened the scoring for the visiting Falcons after seven minutes with a drop goal, but the hosts hit back just two minutes later as Marcel Garvey broke through to score the games first try.

Sam Tuitupou scored the first of his two tries 12 minutes later, when Garvey chipped a subtle ball through to him just yards in front of the line.

That try came right after Ryan Powell had seen one disallowed by the television match official for a knock-on as he stretched to reach his own chipped ball.

Jonny Wilkinson, in his first game back from injury, made it 14-6 going into the break with his first penalty of the evening.

Right after the restart Drahm scored his only penalty, before the lights went out and the players were sent back to the dressing rooms, and when they returned Newcastle were the stronger side, with replacement Tim Visser, on in the first-half for the injured Jamie Noon, was unlucky not to touch down when he was tackled at the last moment by Worcester captain Pat Sanderson.

However, Drew Hickey conceded a penalty after that tackle, and Wilkinson re-established the eight-point gap.

After Greg Rawlinson was sin-binned, Worcester retained the ball well to nullify the one-man disadvantage, and tries in the last ten minutes from Tom Wood and another from Tuitupou had them celebrating.

Newcastle took advantage of Warriors' joy to score a late consolation try through David Wilson, but it was too little too late for the Falcons.

Worcester will face either Bath or holders Clermont in the final.

Eurosport