By Elliott Josypenko
March 16 2004

Newcastle centre Jamie Noon set his sights on more Powergen Cup glory after helping the Falcons into their third final in five years.

Noon turned in a man-of-the-match display as the favourites stormed past Pertemps Bees 53-3 at Kingston Park.

Ten of those on duty were involved when Newcastle beat Harlequins in the 2001 final with a late Dave Walder try.

"Last time was a fantastic occasion and it would be nice to come away with the silverware again," said Noon.

Noon admitted the Falcons were flattered by the margin of their victory against the National League side, who stunned Wasps in the quarter-final.

"We will have to lift it a lot against Sale," he added. "There were areas that weren't working today and we have got to improve, but we have got five weeks to sort it out.

"It was really hard work and credit to the Bees. They put up a massive fight.

"We had a bit more in the tank in the second half and that showed through, but they were fantastic."

Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew also paid tribute to the underdogs from Birmingham/Solihull, who were only overrun in the final 15 minutes.

"It was a really tough game and massive credit should go to the Bees," Andrew said. "We had to work really hard.

"I thought playing into the wind would help us in the second half, and they were working so hard defensively I thought they would tire as it went on."

The Falcons and Sale, both unlikely to qualify for the Heineken Cup through the Zurich Premiership, now have the chance to claim a European spot at Twickenham next month.

"The final will be a brilliant day for both clubs," Andrew added. "A lot of our guys were there three years ago and it is going to be another huge occasion.

"We know how important it is and that is why they prepared so well for this game.

"I am just pleased to get it out of the way because it was a horrible potential banana skin for us."

Taken from the BBC. www.bbc.co.uk/rugbyunion