By RucknRoll & Falcon Fan No1
September 8 2005

It was the first development match of the season last night, with Falcons overcoming Saints 23-20.

Mark Laycock's last minute penalty sealed the win, set up by two earlier tries from Ben Woods, back in action after breaking his leg at Alnwick in the corresponding fixture in March 2004,  and one from Lee Dickson.  The game also featured a first appearance in a Falcons shirt for Australian World Cup winner Owen Finegan, himself making a comeback from knee surgery.  We're happy to bring you some pictures of Finegan's debut, taken before darkness finally descended on Kingston Park.

(Mark H's note - The size of this last picture, required to fit into the site frames, really doesn't do it justice.  The full size picture is superb, Finegan palming a lineout down with his "wrong" arm.  Thanks to RucknRoll and Falcon Fan No1 for taking the pictures for us.

And whilst I'm at it, a personal apology.  I would have headed up this report with a photo of Ben Woods, except that the one I took at the media day has his eyes shut to an extent that he looks asleep, and knowing the closeness of the team, couldn't allow his to put up with the ribbing if I put it on site.  Sorry Ben!)