The Amiln Challenge Cup game between Newcastle Falcons and Petrarca Padova at Kingston Park Stadium on Friday Jan 22.
Newcastle's European adventure took a turn for the worse even though the Falcons secured their passage into the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals because this was only a disappointing qualified victory.
Steve Bates' side may have registered the win that guaranteed their last eight place as Pool 5 winners but they failed to flourish and were incapable of scoring the four tries that would have secured a bonus point that would have secured home advantage in the next phase of the competition.
Lamentably, Newcastle lacked the dexterity and flair to break down a robust Petrarca defence and a night of frustration means their fate will be decided by results elsewhere in the competition this weekend.
It had needed a helping hand midway through the first period from the pool's Italian whipping boys when to get Newcastle up and running.
Even though Jimmy Gopperth had put Newcastle ahead with a penalty, the visitors kept their opponents at bay with dogged defending in the opening exchanges but then crumbled when their hosts finally went through the gears.
Gopperth's kick forward caught the Italian defence flat-footed and a penalty try was awarded for a push on Rob Vickerman to put a full-strength Newcastle on course for the last eight.
Petrarca were devoid of attacking ideas but former Gloucester stand-off Ludovic Mercier kept his team in contention with an excellent penalty before Gopperth restored his side's 10-point cushion just before half-time.
Newcastle tried to raise their game after the break but were unable to break down the opposition defence although Grant Shiells came within a whisker of touching down as the hosts were suddenly invigorated after the below-par Gopperth was replaced at stand-off by Rob Miller to the delight of the locals.
The boggy pitch at Kingston Park deserves to share of the blame for Newcastle's deficiencies and their failure to secure a favourable position in the next round as it prevented Bates' fleet-footed side from really getting into their stride although the lack of momentum can not excuse the series of stray passes and wayward passing as the Italians held firm until Gcoboni Bobo burst over with 12 minutes left.
That put the game beyond Petrarca and set up an exciting finale but Bobo had flattered to deceive and followed up his try with a wayward pass that prompted a knock-on just as Newcastle were building up a head of steam against a team who have picked up just one bonus point in six European outings.
Winger Danny Williams wasted another chance to touch down in the dying moments as he knocked on in the corner and the disgruntlement that greeted the final whistle moments later was tangible.
Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates said: "The players are happy with the result but desperately disappointed with the performance and that we are not in a better position. We were trying too hard at time and made too many basic errors."
