Harlequins run in five tries as they win at bottom Newcastle to end a three-game losing streak in the Premiership; Marcus Smith crosses the line and also scores 13 points; Newcastle suffered their eighth defeat in 10 Premier League matches; tables Bath play Northampton on Sunday
From PA Sport
Last update: 03/01/25 22:12
Harlequins ran in five tries to beat Newcastle 38-14 in the Gallagher Premiership
Harlequins ended their three-game winless run in the Gallagher Premiership with a 38-14 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.
James Chisholm’s converted try gave Quins an early lead and the game turned into a close contest, with Adam Radwan equalizing seven minutes before the break, but Marcus Smith crossed to restore his side’s advantage.
Smith extended the visitors’ first-half lead – early in the second half – and Ben Redshaw scored a second try for Newcastle to seemingly go close.
Newcastle try to: Radwan (33), Redshaw (67);Conversions: Connon (x2)
Harlequins try to: Chisholm (10), Smith (37), Walker (72), Beard (76), Riley (81); Conversions: Smith (x5);Penalties: Smith (x1)
However, three tries from Jack Walker, Oscar Beard and Sam Riley in the final 10 minutes secured Harlequins’ fourth Premiership win of the season, while an eighth league defeat leaves the Falcons bottom of the table.
How the match unfolded
Although Newcastle were able to apply some early pressure, Harlequins struck in the 10th minute when Chisholm took the ball from a ruck and raced through a hole in the Falcons defense to touch down under the posts, with Smith adding the conversion.
The visitors were forced into an early change seven minutes later when Rodrigo Isgro limped off the field and Jarrod Evans took his place.
Just moments after being brought on, Irne Herbst was sent to the sin bin for a challenge on Richard Palframan and Newcastle’s promising strike was well stopped by their opponents.
Harlequin’s defense was again tested as the Falcons piled the pressure on the away trio, but a quick change of play to the right allowed Radwan to sprint over and touch down in the 33rd minute before Brett Connon equalized from the first.
Harlequins soon regained their lead before the break after a brilliant strike put them in a dangerous position in the right corner and Evans played a fantastic pass over the top of the Newcastle defense to Smith, who raced into the area and slotted in before converting his own try.
Marcus Smith scored a try and also kicked 13 points as Quins snapped a three-game Premiership losing streak.
The fly-half extended Quins’ lead six minutes after half-time with a penalty.
Newcastle built phases well and found their second try of the night in a strange way when a quick change of play found Ben Stevenson on the right.
The winger flicked the ball forward but it deflected off the corner flag into the path of Redshaw, who reacted quickly to ground inside the line and Connon converted.
Quins responded immediately just minutes later with a lineout kick, Walker breaking away and crossing with Smith adding the extras.
The relentless display in the closing stages continued when Newcastle’s kick was brought down and play was passed to Beard on the ground before Riley crossed with seconds left on the clock and Smith converted both.
