Falcons flying high

Newcastle Falcons ended Harlequins' unbeaten run at the start of the new Guinness Premiership season with a 19-12 win.

The Falcons led 14-6 at half-time courtesy of tries from Geoff Parling and Tom May, while Harlequins kept in touch with two Chris Malone penalties.

Malone brought the visitors back within two points at 14-12 with further penalties in the 44th and 54th minutes.

But Matthew Burke sealed the result for the Falcons by crossing for the game-clinching try in the 67th minute.

Difference

The former Australia international proved to be the difference between the two sides at Kingston Park, and not just for his crucial try.

His defensive work helped keep Quins at bay in a busy opening 10 minutes that the visitors dominated, while he was also involved in the moment that led to Jim Evans being yellow carded.

The full-back rose high to claim an up-and-under but was unceremoniously taken out by the lock, who was handed 10 minutes in the sin-bin.

Despite being a man down Quins still managed to double their early 3-0 lead when Malone slotted over his second penalty in the 24th minute.

However, the Falcons soared ahead before the break with two tries, the first coming when back-rower Parling ploughed over.

Burke converted and was also on target following May's try in the corner, giving the home side a comfortable cushion at the break.

Controversy

Malone's boot kept Harlequins in touch with two penalties, the second of which came courtesy of a controversial decision by referee Martin Fox.

That was as close as Dean Richards' side got, though, Burke the man again for Newcastle when he finished off an excellent move out wide.

They had to withstand some heavy late pressure in-order-to keep hold of their lead and pick up their second home victory of the campaign.

The result was even more impressive considering they were without forwards Ben Woods and Andy Buist because of injury and the absence of several of their key backs on World Cup duty.