Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Harlequins 28-14 Newcastle

Harlequins 28-14 Newcastle Falcons, Twickenham Stoop

Harlequins secured their first win of the season in front of a packed Stoop with a solid 28-14 victory over Newcastle Falcons. The home side showcased an impressive display, running in four tries to earn a crucial bonus-point win and set the stage for an exciting clash against Northampton Saints next Friday.

Early Lead for Falcons

Newcastle Falcons got off to a flying start with second-row John Hawkins powering through the Harlequins' defense to touch down under the posts in just the fifth minute. Ethan Grayson converted to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

Quins Respond with Three Tries Before Half-Time

Harlequins quickly responded as Nathan Jibulu, making his first Premiership start, powered over the line in the 15th minute to even the scores. Marcus Smith added the extras, making it 7-7.

Flanker Will Evans then gave Quins the lead with a close-range try, and was later named Player of the Match for his all-around performance. Harlequins kept up the pressure, with Cassius Cleaves breaking through the Falcons' defense and setting up Leigh Halfpenny for his first try for Quins. Smith’s conversion took the home team to a comfortable 21-7 lead at halftime.

Early Second Half Bonus-Point Try

The hosts wasted no time in securing the bonus-point try, just 90 seconds into the second half. Cleaves once again demonstrated his speed and agility, breaking through before feeding Oscar Beard, who delivered a perfect inside pass to Will Porter for a quick finish.

Late Consolation for Falcons

Newcastle Falcons managed to add a second try in the 63rd minute, as Ben Redshaw found a gap in the Quins’ defense to score. Grayson’s conversion reduced the deficit to 28-14, but it was too little, too late for the visitors as Harlequins held on to their commanding lead until the final whistle.

With this win, Harlequins have put their season back on track, while Newcastle Falcons will look to bounce back in their next fixture

Team line up:

Harlequins: Halfpenny; David, Northmore, Anyanwu, Cleaves; Smith, Porter; Baxter, Jibulu, Lamositele; Launchbury, Lewies; Kenningham, W Evans, Cunningham-South

Reserves: Walker, Jones, Kerrod, Herbst, Lamb, Care, J Evans, Beard

Newcastle: Obatoyinbo; Radwan, Doherty, Arnold, Stevenson; Grayson, Stuart; Brocklebank, Blamire, Palframan; Hawkins, McDonald; Van der Walt, Gordon, Chick

Reserves: Fletcher, De Bruin, McCallum, Lockwood, Scott, Davis, Redshaw, Brown