Leicester edge Newcastle 24-19 to claim first Premiership win of the season

Leicester Tigers claimed their first Gallagher Premiership win of the season with a 24-19 victory over Newcastle at a sold-out Kingston Park, moving into fifth place after two rounds while the hosts slipped to back-to-back league defeats.

Newcastle made a bright start, with debutant Obi Ene diving over in the left corner after just three minutes following sustained pressure near the Tigers’ line. Brett Connon could not convert, and Leicester gradually wrestled control through the set-piece. Samiuela Moli powered over from a rolling maul to score his maiden Premiership try for the club, before Adam Radwan chased down a Freddie Steward grubber kick to ground against his former side. Billy Searle converted both and added a penalty to give Leicester a commanding 17-5 lead at the break.

The second half opened with a scrappy midfield battle before Newcastle found their footing. George McGuigan powered over and Connon converted to narrow the gap, but Leicester responded almost immediately when Will Hurd charged through the home defence in a single surge, with Searle again adding the extras to push the lead back out to 12 points.

Newcastle refused to fold. Cam Jordan dived over with five minutes remaining and Zack Henry’s conversion brought the hosts to within five points, setting up a tense finish. Christian Wade was stopped as Newcastle pressed for a levelling score, but Leicester held firm to see the game out.

Christian Wade had earlier played a key defensive role, producing a try-saving tackle on Gabriel Hamer-Webb and hauling Harrison Obatoyinbo down on the break to prevent Newcastle from extending their early lead.

The result leaves Leicester with three points from their opening two Premiership fixtures, while Newcastle, who had hoped a home crowd would spark their campaign, must regroup ahead of next week.