Newcastle issued a stark warning to the rest of the Premiership that they are
serious title contenders with a dramatic late win over pre-season favourites
Leicester at Kingston Park.
England international Dave Walder was the Falcons' hero after he gathered up a
pass from Inga Tuigamala three minutes from time before jinking in under the
posts for a stunning try.
Rob Andrew's men had threatened to tear open the Tigers' rearguard all game
but were unable to land the final blow as defending league champions Leicester
held firm.
Just as it seemed the midlanders had done enough to take the points, Walder
struck to give Newcastle their first ever home win over the Tigers.
Leicester chief Dean Richards chose not to field his Lions contingent for the
game and was forced to leave out flanker Josh Kronfeld shortly before kick-off
after the All Black superstar twisted his ankle during warm-up.
But this should not detract from the brave Falcons who seemed determined to
start their season on a winning note and were more creative all game.
Both teams came out firing on all cylinders, and some powerful running was met
by equally committed tackling - although play was often hampered by sloppy
handling.
Tigers fly-half Andy Goode settled his side with an early penalty, but his
opposite number Jonny Wilkinson nudged the Falcons ahead shortly afterwards with
two quickfire three-pointers.
Leicester's pack gradually began to take control as they forced their way deep
into home territory and they won a series of five-metre scrums.
The pressure began to tell on the Falcons forwards, and in the 18th minute the
ball was shipped out to Goode who jinked over.
A Wilkinson penalty was sandwiched by a second Tigers try which saw Irish
winger Geordan Murphy slice through the home defence before offloading to
Freddie Tuilagi who sped in at the corner.
Newcastle were unlucky to be trailing as they often threatened to open up the
visitors' defence, with young centres Tom May and Jamie Noon proving a handful
in midfield.
Lions star Wilkinson was pulling the strings for the Falcons who surged up
field and camped themselves on the Tigers line. But they were held out by some
desperate tackling, including one hit on flanker Jon Dunbar who was stopped just
inches short.
Goode kicked his side further ahead shortly after the break. But it was the
home side who were in control, enjoying the majority of possession in good
attacking positions.
Tempers boiled over 13 minutes into the second half when England flanker Lewis
Moody and Newcastle prop Micky Ward exchanged blows. The warring duo were given
10 minutes in the sin-bin.
The boot of Wilkinson pulled his side to within four points as the Falcons
continued to pile on the pressure.
With the game nearing its conclusion, Leicester were finally opened up -
allowing Walder to sprint home for the match-winning score.
Teams
Newcastle: Ward, Howe,
Isaacson, Vyvyan, Grimes, Dunbar, Mower,
Lam, Armstrong, Wilkinson, Tuigamala, May, Noon, Botham,
Walder, Arnold.
Replacements: Arnold for Ward (66), Graham for Isaacson (41),
Weir for Dunbar (76), Arnold for Mower (46),
Peel for Arnold (59).
Not Used: Richardson, MacLure, Balshen.
Sin Bin: Ward (55).
Tries: Walder.
Cons: Wilkinson.
Pens: Wilkinson 4.
Leicester: Rowntree, West, Garforth, Deacon,
Kay, Moody,
Gustard, W. Johnson, Ellis, Goode, Tuilagi, Kafer, Smith,
Murphy, Stimpson, Jelley.
Replacements: Jelley for Rowntree (30), Chuter for West (76),
Hamilton for Ellis (68), Rowntree for Jelley (38).
Not Used: Kronfeld, Booth, Gelderbloom, Short.
Sin Bin: Moody (55).
Tries: Goode, Tuilagi.
Pens: Goode 2.
Att: 7,490
Ref: Steve Lander (RFU).
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