NEWCASTLE Falcons made it two European Challenge Cup wins from two as they cruised to a comprehensive win over Italian champions Petrarca Padova.

The Falcons ran in six unanswered tries in a facile victory, but Toulon's win over Lyon means next month's double-header with Jonny Wilkinson's employers is almost certain to determine who finishes top of the qualifying pool.

Newcastle dominated throughout at the Stadio Plebiscito, and claimed the opening score in the 19th minute as Alex Tait released Samoan centre Jamie Helleur to score in the right-hand corner.

Jeremy Manning, deputising at fly-half, added the conversion, but went on to miss four of his subsequent five conversion attempts. For all that the New Zealander controlled the game effectively in the number ten shirt, it will be a surprise if Jimmy Gopperth does not return for this weekend's Aviva Premiership trip to Harlequins.

Nevertheless, Manning scored Newcastle's second try midway through the first half, touching down after a pass from Luke Eves, and after Padova skipper Agustin Costa was sent to the sin bin, the visitors increased their advantage when Tim Swinson claimed a pushover try in the opening four minutes of the second period.

The four-try bonus point was secured when Kiwi winger Ryan Shortland scored with a chip and chase to the corner, but Petrarca at least avoided the humiliation of a shut-out when Eoghan Hickey converted a penalty to get his side on the scoresheet.

Falcons continued to dominate though, and replacement hooker Joe Graham ploughed through a gap to claim a fifth try.

James Hall's departure to the sin bin provided a rare blot on the copybook, but Newcastle rounded things off in style when Swinson claimed his second try of the afternoon by latching on to a low kick from Greg Goosen.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS: Goosen, Tait, Helleur, Eves (Fitzpatrick 57), Shortland, Manning (Sheriffe 67), Chudley (Pilgrim 51); Wells (Shiells 72), Mayhew (Graham 51), Murray (Hall 51), Hudson, van der Heijden (Townson 64), Swinson, Pennycook, Hogg.