Almost 50,000 supporters were treated to an electrifying Powergen Cup final last month when a 75th minute try from Newcatle Falcons super sub Phil Dowson gave them their second victory in four years.

The England Sevens player, who also scored in the sixth round win over Rotherham, was bundled over from a scrum and Dave Walder converted to edge a seven try thriller in the highest ever scoring cup final.

Newcastle Falcons captain Hugh Vyvyan, who has signed for Saracens and whose chargedown of Charlie Hodgson’s kick led to the turnover, said, “It was such a great effort from the boys. We kept on coming back at them and eventually we did it. At this moment it seems bizarre that I’m leaving, I felt very emotional lifting the cup.”

The lead changed hands six times and Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew, whose side won with a late try in 2001, added, “The boys were magnificent but so were Sale. It was almost a case of whoever has the lead when the music stops takes the cup away. It was a great final and for us winning the chance to compete in the Heineken Cup next year is a big boost.”

Sale led 13-10 at half time in the Powergen Cup final, despite Newcastle having most of the possession and taking the lead after just six minutes when Warren Britz picked up from a ruck four metres out and barged over. Hodgson pulled back three points and then added the extras to Steve Hanley’s 14th minute try, before Dave Walder levelled the scores at 10-10. Hodgson’s second penalty edged the Sharks ahead before the break.