Wasps (25) 43 Tries: Birkett, Voyce, Worsley, van Gisbergen, Erinle Cons: King, Thrower 2 Pens: King, Thrower 2 Drop Goals: King Newcastle (14) 29 Tries: Taione, Noon, Charvis, Stephenson Cons: J Wilkinson 3 Pens: J Wilkinson

Epi Taione put the Falcons ahead with a try after just five minutes, with Jonny Wilkinson converting.

But Wasps fought back, with Richard Birkett going over to give them a 25-14 half-time lead.

Colin Charvis reduced the deficit after the break but Mark Van Gisbergen and Ayoola Erinle went over to make sure of victory for Wasps.

There was concern that Wilkinson had suffered a recurrence of his long-term neck problem which caused him to miss more than eight months.

The England captain was hurt just before the hour mark and from the sidelines it appeared as though his old injury had returned.

However, Wilkinson later said he had only sustained a dead arm and that his neck problem was fine.

And Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew dismissed any concerns about Wilkinson's form.

"In my opinion Jonny is virtually there after six games - just look at that 60-yard break he made in the second minute of the game," Andrew said.

"He's getting better every week and just needs game time like a lot of England's injured players do.

"His fitness levels are exceptional, better than ever before, and he's looking good in training."

Wasps coach Warren Gatland praised his players for performing so well in the absence of stars such as Simon Shaw, Craig Dowd and Rob Howley.

"The set-up at Wasps makes it easy for new guys coming in," Gatland said.

"There is no difference between training with the academy and the first team because they're all together.

"Training with players like Lawrence Dallaglio at full pace shows them the intensity that's needed," the Kiwi coach added.

Wasps: van Gisbergen, Thrower, Richards, Hoadley, Voyce, King, Dawson, Nwume, Greening, Payne, Hart, Birkett, Worsley, O'Connor, Dallaglio.
Replacements: Leota, Mackenzie, Lock, Haskell, Biljon, Erinle, Brooks.

Newcastle: Burke, May, Noon, Taione, Stephenson, J. Wilkinson, Charlton, Ward, Long, Hurter, Gross, Grimes, McCarthy, Charvis, Sititi.
Replacements: Isaacson, Mackie, Hamilton, Williamson, Tait, Walder, Grindal.

Referee: D Rose (England)