It was a score-less first period in the north of England as the weather conditions played their part.

Gopperth was off target with his first shot at goal in the first period, but he had no such problems with his second effort, slotting a 25-metre penalty early in the second half to give his side the lead.

The Falcons fly-half then doubled his tally with another penalty to put the hosts in the driving seat.

Julien Dumora grabbed a penalty for the visitors to narrow the scores but it was the Falcons' night.