Leicester Tigers performed superbly to record a straightforward win over Newcastle Falcons. Tigers scored seven tries on the way to victory and were able to successfully defend against the few chances that the home side had.
By George Wellbelove
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Leicester struck first through a Jamie Shillcock penalty, after Falcons did not roll out of the ruck. Newcastle would respond minutes later through Ethan Grayson after an identical infringement.
After an uneventful start to the game, the visitors would record the first try. After a long period camped on Newcastle’s line, the call came to attack out wide. Shillcock was able to deliver a neat pass for Ollie Hassell-Collins to go over in the corner.
Anthony Watson then crossed over the line for his first score since returning from a lengthy injury. Watson received the ball and then executed a huge fend to get rid of Elliott Obatoyinbo and score.
Tigers’ third try just before halftime made sure the away side would have a healthy lead. A barnstorming run by Ollie Chessum off a set piece lineout move gave Leicester a great attacking platform. Will Hurd then intelligently popped the ball to Emeka Ilione to drive through the Falcons defenders and score. Shillcock was unable to add the conversion and Tigers took a 3-20 lead into halftime.
Leicester started the second half as they finished the first and secured a bonus point. A great one-handed take by Chessum in the lineout encouraged attacking play from the visitors. Izaia Perese was able to gain some momentum through a strong carry. Joseph Woodward then carried and offloaded beautifully to Freddie Steward who scored.
Moments later, Watson was sent to the bin for a deliberate knock on.
Tigers were then down to thirteen players with Hanro Liebenberg being sin-binned for a high tackle.
With the player advantage, Newcastle piled the pressure on Leicester. However, they were unable to make it count as Jamie Blamire spilled the ball and ended a great opportunity.
Falcons would finally get their first try as Callum Chick, on his 150th Falcons appearance, drove through Dan Cole and Chessum.
Jamie Blamire turned out to be the latest player to be yellow carded with a high tackle offence. As a result, Tigers were able to score through George Martin after a neat carry by Steward.
Will Wand then recorded his first try for Leicester on his debut with a smart intercept, plucking the ball after a pass by Falcons’ Joe Davis.
Liebenberg made amends for his earlier infringement and brought Leicester’s score over forty points. Wand was again involved in the attack and was brought down just short of the line. Tigers recycled the ball and Liebenberg was able to break a tackle and score.
Newcastle were afforded a few attacking phases near the end but nothing came to fruition. Leicester deservedly won the match 10-42.
5 Talking Points
No Cheika, No Problem
The match was overshadowed by the RFU’s decision to ban Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika for ‘disrespecting’ the match day doctor last week against Bath. It was interesting, coming into this match, whether the Tigers would be able to perform. However, this was quickly disproved as Leicester were able to run in seven tries.
Watson’s Try Scoring Return from Injury
Anthony Watson was able to score a try on his return from a long injury. It was great to see the England stalwart performing back to his best. A couple of jinky runs and brilliant steps helped Tigers to success. Perhaps an England recall is beckoning if he is able to push on from this excellent performance.
Yellow Card Galore
As of this season, it appears that Leicester are unable to escape yellow cards. So far, they have obtained four yellow cards from three matches. Whilst this has not been a major cause of concern in the short term, it may come back to bite them in crucial matches later on in the season.
Newcastle Winless Run Continues
With today’s loss, Newcastle have now been unable to win in any of their last 24 Premiership matches. Whilst the feeling surrounding Falcons is not one of alarm and panic currently, with the expectation that they will win a game, Newcastle could find themselves in the Premiership relegation playoff at the end of the season.
Callum Chick’s 150th Appearance
Whilst the occasion was not ideal for the Newcastle stalwart, Callum Chick made his 150th appearance for his boyhood club. A true legend of the North, Chick has been plying his trade
since 2015. Newcastle fans will be eager to see him continue to play for the club. At the age of 27, he still has plenty left to add to his legacy at Kingston Park.