Leicester were crowned Premiership champions for a third consecutive season
on Saturday.
The Tigers completed their side of the league-winning equation with a ruthless
dismissal of Newcastle at Welford Road.
But their quest for title glory hinged on the result of Wasps' trip to Bath -
a match the Londoners lost 16-13 courtesy of an injury-time Mike Catt try.
Wasps' defeat meant no team could overhaul the Tigers' Premiership lead.
Leicester have clearly been the strongest club in English domestic rugby this
season and against Newcastle today they gave further confirmation that they are
several miles ahead of the chasing pack.
The Falcons were completely overwhelmed up front where Leicester's pack used
their greater strength and experience to ensure the visitors won little quality
ball.
Most of the damage was done in the first half when the Tigers touched down for
six tries, giving them a 39-7 interval lead.
They could only breach the Falcons line twice after the break, but by that
time Newcastle - who were forced to field a weakened side because of injuries -
needed a miracle if they were to cause an upset.
Tigers full-back Tim Stimpson was the star of a blistering threequarter
display and finished the game with a 21-point haul - a tally which included two
tries. England flanker Neil Back also notched a pair of touchdowns.
Leicester attacked from the first whistle as they ran the ball from deep in
their own half. They made huge inroads into the Falcons territory and eventually
won a penalty, which Stimpson nudged over.
Newcastle surged forward in the fifth minute as they piled pressure on to the
home side. But the threat was brought to an end when poor work on their own
line-out saw Tigers' outside half Andy Goode clear the ball to safety.
The midlanders gradually edged their way up field, and some quickfire passing
in the 13th minute saw Winston Stanley skip between two Newcastle defenders and
touch down for a try.
Stimpson converted, and moments later Leicester went further ahead when Goode
received the ball from a Falcons scrum and sprinted more than half the pitch
before diving over in the corner.
But just as the home side looked set to claim total control Newcastle hit back
with an opportunist try from centre Gareth MacLure which fly-half Dave Walder
improved.
However, the Falcons' fightback was brought to an end as Leicester struck with
two tries - through Back and Stimpson - in the space of three minutes.
Both conversions were added, and some sublime handling from the Leicester
backs saw Stimpson and winger Leon Lloyd charge over to give their side a 39-7
lead.
Back scored his second try shortly after the break, but Leicester were unable
to score as freely as they had done in the first half.
Dean Richards made several changes, and that took its toll on the Tigers'
momentum. But with the game won Martin Johnson's men could afford to take their
foot of the gas.
Substitute Steven Booth claimed the last try of the match which was converted
by Stimpson, rounding off a miserable afternoon for Newcastle.
Leicester could now finish the season with two more pieces of silverware
thanks to their continued interest in the European Cup and Zurich play-off
competition.
If they continue to display the form they have shown this season further
success appears certain.
Zurich man of the match: Tim Stimpson.
Teams:
Leicester: Stimpson, Lloyd, Smith, Howard, Stanley,
Goode,Healey, Rowntree, West, Garforth, M. Johnson, Kay, W. Johnson,Back, Corry.
Replacements: Hamilton for Healey (68),
Jelley for Rowntree (57), Cockerill for West (41),
Nebbett for Garforth (67), Balding for W. Johnson (62),Gustard for Corry (62).
Not Used: Booth.
Tries: Stanley, Goode, Back 2, Stimpson 2, Lloyd,
Booth. Cons: Stimpson 4.
Pens: Stimpson.
Newcastle: Massey, Stephenson, MacLure, May, Taione,
Walder,Charlton, Peel, Howe, Hurter, Vyvyan, Weir, Arnold, Cartmell, Jenner.
Replacements: Pattison for Walder (40), Graham for Peel (51),
Ward for Hurter (67), Rule for Vyvyan (57),Holmes for Cartmell (40).
Not Used: Armstrong, Nesdale.Sin Bin: Stephenson (25).
Tries: MacLure.
Cons: Walder.
Att: 12,000
Ref: Tony Spreadbury (RFU).
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