NEWCASTLE Falcons are still on course to salvage something from the wreckage of a dismal Guinness Premiership season, progressing to the last four of the European Challenge Cup after a comfortable victory over Connacht at Kingston Park last night.

The 23-3 triumph over the Irish province side booked Falcons their place in the semi-finals of the competition for the third time - equaling 1998 and 2001's achievements - and they will now face either London Irish or French side Bayonne at home on April 22.

Connacht had an impressive European Challenge Cup pedigree themselves - two time semi-finalists - and they were determined to make Falcons' passage into the last four a challenging one, despite lying bottom of the Celtic League.

But, despite making progress to the last eight of the competition - via a group stage containing Worcester, Montpellier and Italian side Catania - and enjoying a gritty 11-9 victory over Border Reivers in Galashiels last week, Michael Bradley's side were no match for an experienced Falcons outfit determined to end the season by lifting the second tier European competition and qualifying for the Heineken Cup next term in the process.

Director of Rugby Rob Andrew left nothing to chance and made nine changes to the 15 which slumped to a disappointing 32-3 defeat to Northampton last weekend, with six of the pack being replaced altogether.

Welsh international Colin Charvis returned to skipper the side at number eight.

In the front row Micky Ward switched to tight head prop as Robbie Morris dropped out, while Matt Thompson replaced Andy Long at hooker and Jonny Williams started at loose head prop.

Luke Goss replaced Andy Perry at lock and Mike McCarthy joined Charvis in the back row, while Cory Harris took Ben Woods' place.

Jamie Noon returned at outside centre alongside Mark Mayerhofler, with Toby Flood and Tom May moving to fly half and wing. Anthony Elliott switched wings from right to left and Hall Charlton came in at scrum half.

The changes had an inspiring effect as the home side were convincing throughout with Toby Flood the undoubted star of the show.

He kicked a penalty after nine minutes from a tight angle on the Connacht 22 when the visitors were penalised for offside, before scoring a brillinat opportunist try after 18 minutes, which he converted.

Flood kicked on from his own ten metre line and hacked on to score in the corner after winning a 50 metre dash between Stephen Knoop and David Gannon.

Six minutes later he kicked his second penalty when the Irish side were once again penalised for offside.

Connacht's Mark McHugh wasted an excellent opportunity to score when bursting through an open back line a minute later only to fluff his pass while inside the Falcons 22.

The visitors then wasted a gilt-edged opportunity to score a penalty in a central position on the half hour but Paul Warwick sliced wide.

Warwick did make amends two minutes before the break however, and kicked a penalty when Falcons were penalised for offside.

The heavy conditions and persistent rain did neither side a favour after the break and the play got bogged down with a series of misplaced passes and knock-ons in the early stages.

Falcons continued to drive on but found the opposition in a stubborn mood, until Mike McCarthy finally broke though a ruck from five yards to score in the 65th minute - Flood converting with ease to give the home side a 20-3 lead.

Matt Burke nearly added another three minutes later after swapping passes with replacement James Grindal but just overran the ball and took out the Falcons' mascot in the corner.

The home side were rampant at this point as the crowd of 4,486 roared them on to victory.

Flood added another penalty from a central position just inside the visitor's 22 with five minutes remaining to end the tie as a contest and ensure Falcons could yet end a miserable campaign on a high, and more importantly, with some much needed silverware.

Result: Newcastle Falcons 23, Connacht 3.