London Irish reached the final of the European Challenge Cup despite a late fight back by Newcastle Falcons today.

Trailing 27-3 with 13 minutes of normal time left, the Falcons scored three tries through Ben Woods, Tom May and Mathew Tait to come within a whisker of stealing this semi-final at Kingston Park.

However the visitors held form to slam a 27-22 win.

They face Gloucester who recorded a thrilling 31-23 derby victory over Worcester at Kingsholm.

Worcester were eight points ahead at one stage as their fly-half Shane Drahm went through the scoring book.

But that and a tremendous effort from the Warriors was not enough to deny Gloucester their second victory in successive weeks over their M5 motorway neighbours.

Mark Foster, James Simpson-Daniel and Anthony Allen crossed for Gloucester tries with Drahm and Pat Sanderson replying for the visitors.