LEICESTER 15, NEWCASTLE FALCONS 6

STEVE BATES saluted his battling Falcons after they were edged out by the champions.

Newcastle are still searching for their first win of the season as five Jeremy Staunton penalties won it for the Tigers.

Falcons had drawn their first two clashes but Director of Rugby Bates was delighted with his side's display in front of a sell-out 24,000 crowd.

He said: "We brought a young side here, five of them newcomers to the club this season.

"We have grabbed a couple of draws and kept our line intact at the toughest venue in the Premiership.

"They were told before the match that if they can hack it here they can be pleased with themselves. We lost, but there were huge positives to take back."

There was little to admire for the neutral in a grim, try-less contest in front of the Sky TV cameras but Newcastle were unlucky not to grab at least a losing bonus point while Leicester are still searching for their first try of the season

It means the champions have now gone four hours and 20 minutes of Premiership rugby, including last season, without a try.

Last year's England Under-20s captain Rob Miller kicked his team's two penalties, organised a magnificent defensive display and put real pressure on Leicester when the Falcons had possession.

Tigers, playing for the first time in their revamped stadium, had tried to throw the ball about early on.

But Miller, the tough back rower, and centres Rob Vickerman and Tane Tu'ipulotu were not falling for the wave of attacks, dummies and intricate moves.

And a series of Tigers attacks were ruthlessly ended by some brave Falcons defence.

But Falcons were always behind on the penalty count. Staunton landed the first of his five goals in the third minute but Miller levelled four minutes later.

But Newcastle needed to resort to illegalities to stop Leicester and Staunton picked up three penalties between the 25th minute and half time.

Miller gave Newcastle hope by making it 12-6 on 50 minutes. But the Falcons defence needed to be at their best to repel more waves of Tigers attacks around the hour.

Then fly-half Staunton clinched the win with his fifth penalty.

• SCORERS - Leicester: pens Staunton 5. Newcastle: pens Miller 2.

This article has 0 comments