European Challenge Cup: Newcastle Falcons 25-22 Zebre - Falcons need late try to secure win

Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti's 79th-minute try rescued a win for Newcastle

Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti's late try saved Newcastle's blushes as they beat Zebre in the Challenge Cup.

The Italians pushed Newcastle in the first half as four Antonio Rizzi penalties were cancelled out by Trevor Davison and Luther Burrell tries and a Brett Connon penalty.

Luca Andreani went over from close range soon after the break for Zebre.

A fifth Rizzi penalty was followed by a try for Falcons' George McGuigan before Nordli-Kelemeti's 79th-minute winner.

The hosts had plenty of pressure on the Italians' try-line in the final 10 minutes and finally broke through after Fijian Nordli-Kelemeti went over from a maul with his try confirmed by a television review.

Zebre, who have lost all 13 of their United Rugby Championship games this season, had also lost all three of their Challenge Cup pool games before their visit to Kingston Park and for long periods looked like they might get a first win.

But they finish bottom of the pool with just two losing bonus points, while Newcastle finish second and will face Glasgow Warriors in the last 16 next week.

Newcastle Falcons: Penny, Radwan, Wacokecoke, Burrell, Carreras, Connon, Schreuder; Brocklebank, Blamire, Davison, Fuser, Robinson, Basham, Welch, Lockwood.

Replacements: McGuigan, Cooper, Tampin, Peterson, Farrar, Nordli-Kelemeti, Hodgson, Stevenson.

Zebre Parma: Trulla, Tuivuaka, Cronje, Lucchin, Gesi, Rizzi, Fusco; Fischetti, Bigi, Neculai, Venditti, Zambonin, Andreani, Mbanda, Fox-Matamua.

Replacements: Ribaldi, Rimpelli, Bello, Leavasa Tuivaiti, Palazzani, Canna, Laloifi.

Referee: Ludovic Cayre (France).