Harlequins run in five tries as they beat bottom-placed Newcastle to end a three-game losing streak in the Premiership.Marcus Smith crosses the line and also hits 13 points; “Newcastle” suffered the eighth defeat in 10 matches of the top group. Top of the table Bath play Northampton on Sunday
By PA Sport
Last update: 03/01/25 22:12
Harlequins scored five tries as they beat Newcastle 38-14 in the Gallagher Premiership.
Harlequins ended their three-game winless run in the Gallagher Premiership with a 38-14 win over Newcastle at Kingston Park.
James Chisholm’s converted try gave Quins an early lead and the game turned into a tight contest that saw Adam Radwan equalize seven minutes before the break but Marcus Smith crossed to restore his side’s advantage.
Smith extended the visitors’ lead from the tee early in the second half and Ben Redshaw scored a second try for Newcastle that looked close.
Newcastle are trying. Radwan (33), Redshaw (67);Conversions. Konnon (x2)
Harlequins try. Chisholm (10), Smith (37), Walker (72), Baird (76), Riley (81); Conversions. Smith (x5);Penalties: Smith (x1)
However, three tries in the final 10 minutes from Jack Walker, Oscar Baird and Sam Riley ensured Harlequins earned their fourth Premier League win of the season, while an eighth league defeat leaves the Falcons bottom of the table.
How the game evolved
Although Newcastle were able to apply early pressure, Harlequins struck in the 10th minute when Chisholm took the ball off the racket and burst through a gap in the Falcons defense to slot in under the posts and Smith added the conversion.
The visitors were forced to make an early change after 7 minutes when Rodrigo Isgro limped off the field and was replaced by Jarrod Evans.
Only minutes after coming on, Irne Herbst was sent to the sin-bin for a challenge on Richard Palframan, and the promising Newcastle side did well to stop their opponents.
Harlequins’ defense was again tested as the Falcons put pressure on the visitors’ line, but a quick switch of play down the right allowed Radwan to sprint inside and to ground in the 33rd minute before Brett Conan equalized from the tee.
Harlequins soon regained their lead before the break after a brilliant driving tackle put them in a dangerous position in the right corner and Evans flicked a fantastic pass over the top of the Newcastle defense to Smith who darted into space before scoring a try of his own.
Marcus Smith scored a try and also kicked 13 points as Queens ended a three-game losing streak in the Premiership.
The fly-half extended Queens’ lead with a penalty six minutes after the break.
Newcastle built the phases well and strangely found their second try of the night when a quick pass from play found Ben Stephenson on the right.
The winger pushed the ball forward but it bounced off the corner flag and into the path of Redshaw, who reacted quickly to ground just inside the lines and Connon converted.
Quins immediately responded a few minutes later with a drive off the line and Walker broke away to cross and Smith added the extras.
The relentless display continued in the closing stages as Newcastle’s shot went down and play changed for Bard to go to ground before Riley’s cross was left with seconds left and Smith converted both.
