Newcastle Falcons moved into a commanding position at the helm of Pool 2 in the Amlin Challenge Cup with a tight 6-3 victory over Toulon at Kingston Park.

The Falcons kept up their unbeaten run in the tournament thanks to two second-half Jimmy Gopperth penalties, while Toulon's Jonny Wilkinson wasn't able to celebrate a win on his return to his old stomping ground in England.

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 flyhalf 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.

While, in the other match on Thursday Sale Sharks stormer to an impressive 29-14 bonus-point victory over Agen at Stade Armandie to keep the pressure on Brive at the top of the Pool 5.

The visitors dominated the game and wrapped up the try scoring bonus-point before the break to secure their second victory of the season in the competition.

Nick Macleod kicked Sale ahead with his second penalty attempt but the tries then followed in quick succession for the English side.

James Gaskell crossed for the first score after Agen failed to clear their lines. Prop Marc Jones was next over with Macleod converting to give his side a 15-0 advantage.

Vernon scored Sale's third try before Damien Lagrange gave Agen some hope with their first try.

But order was soon resumed with Luther Burrell touching down for the all important bonus-point score before the interval.

The second-half was a much tighter affair, Pat O'Connor scoring the only try for Agen, which again Laurent Courrent converted but it was Sale's night and they welcome Agen to Edgeley Park a week on Sunday.

Newcastle 6 Toulon 3

Scorers:

For Newcastle:
Pens: Gopperth 2

For Toulon:
Pen: Dumora

Agen 14 Sale 29

Scorers:

For Agen:
Tries: Lagrange, O'Connor
Cons: Courrent 2

For Sale:
Tries: Gaskell, Jones, Vernon, Burrell
Cons: MacLeod 3
Pen: MacLeod