WORCESTER Warriors ‘A’ suffered late heartbreak as a try from the last play of the game saw Newcastle Falcons claim a 23-19 victory in the Northern Conference of the ‘A’ League last night.

A low-scoring start to the match saw the sides pegged 3-3 at half-time courtesy of penalties from fit-again fly-half Matthew Jones, successfully making his comeback for Warriors after a lengthy lay-off, and Rob Miller for the hosts.

A hugely impressive display by Jones on his return - he did not miss a kick all night and slotted 14 points - saw the teams level at 9-9 on the hour.

The match exploded to life in the final quarter as Newcastle centre Spencer Davey crossed for the first try of the night on 67 minutes.

Miller's conversion extended the Newcastle lead to 16-9, but the visitors chipped away via a fourth penalty for Jones from 45 metres out.

Worcester surged ahead with two minutes left when a penalty was kicked into touch and Matt Cox rumbled over from the driving maul after a catch-and-drive.

But late heartbreak in the north east saw the Falcons mount one more attack when they pushed from five metres out and then used men out wide to feed Charlie Ingall to score.

Warriors: Penn; Garvey, Grove, MacRae, Fellows; Jones, Frost; Hill, Page, Diggin, Dechartres, Bowley, Freeman, Collins (captain), Cox.

Replacements: Davis, Thomas, McCarthy, Garner, Askew, Silver, Carlisle, Miller.