Harlequins gained revenge for their Tetley's Bitter Cup final defeat with a
last-gasp win over Newcastle Falcons in their Premiership clash at windy
Kingston Park.
Newcastle's decision to play into a strong wind looked to have backfired when
Harlequins moved into an 18-3 lead after 36 minutes.
But a superb try from winger Gareth MacLure sent the Falcons in just 18-10
down at half-time.
Clearly under pressure in the set scrummage, Newcastle nevertheless showed
terrific ball retention for long periods as they drove on.
Paul Burke, who nearly kicked Quins to victory in the Tetley's Bitter Cup
final, kicked a penalty after eight minutes but David Walder levelled the scores
after 15 minutes after a determined attack by Epi Taione backed up by the
Falcons pack.
Ryan O'Neill shot through some poor defence three minutes later and Burke's
conversion was soon followed by another try by David Wilson in the corner with
Newcastle stretched. Burke made it 18-3 with another penalty.
Newcastle replied in fine style with another run by Taione and the ball was
recycled for MacLure to step outside Ben Gollings and inside Matt Powell for a
try under the posts and Walder's conversion was a formality.
Walder and Burke exchanged penalties early in the second half before another
two massive runs from Taione led to another penalty and Walder knocked it over
to make it 21-16.
Walder missed a long-range effort in the 64th minute but a minute later kicked
Newcastle to within range with another penalty, and although he missed one from
50 metres with five minutes of normal time left he put Newcastle ahead 22-21
with his fifth successful penalty.
In another thrilling finish, Burke edged Harlequins ahead with a penalty in
the 80th minute after Stuart Grimes and Daren O'Leary tangled off the ball.
Newcastle:
Tries: MacLure.
Cons: Walder.
Pens: Walder 5.
Newcastle: Massey, Taione, Noon,
Botham, MacLure, Walder,
Hurter, Charlton, Howe, Ward, Grimes, Vyvyan, Arnold, Cartmell,
Jenner.
Replacements: Peel for Hurter (53),
Armstrong for Charlton (69), Nesdale for Howe (63),
Graham for Ward (41), Mower for Arnold (52),
Rule for Cartmell (60).
Not Used: Cook.
Tries: O'Neill, Wilson.
Harlequins:
Cons: Burke.
Pens: Burke 4.
Harlequins: O'Neill, Jewell,
Greenwood, Greenstock, Gollings,
Burke, M. Powell, Starr, Wood, Olver, Morgan, White-Cooper,
Sanderson, Wilson, Winters.
Replacements: O'Leary for Jewell (71).
Not Used: Friday, Chalmers, Leonard, Fuga, Codling, Jenkins.
Att: 3,620
Ref: Brian Campsall (RFU).
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