Leicester Tigers beat Newcastle in Prem Rugby Cup

Leicester Tigers 28-19 Newcastle Red Bulls, Mattioli Woods Welford Road

Leicester Tigers secured a bonus-point victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at a rain-soaked Mattioli Woods Welford Road in the Prem Rugby Cup, pulling away in difficult handling conditions after leading 14-12 at half-time.

Early tries in heavy rain

The hosts struck inside two minutes when a penalty kick to the corner led to a driving maul finished by Josh Manz, with James O’Connor converting. Newcastle responded quickly as Micky Rewcastle supported a Rhys Beeckmans break to score his first try for the club.

The Red Bulls then took the lead midway through the half when sustained pressure near the Leicester line allowed Tim Cardall to power over from close range. Ethan Grayson converted to make it 12-7.

Leicester regained control shortly before the break when Hanro Liebenberg crossed from a pick-and-go near the posts. O’Connor’s conversion restored the home advantage at 14-12, and Grayson struck the crossbar with a long-range penalty in the final moments of the half.

Tigers extend lead after interval

Conditions remained difficult after the restart, forcing both teams into a territorial contest. Leicester created separation on 54 minutes when Will Wand sprinted down the right wing to score to make it 21-12.

Newcastle answered with an impressive long-range effort, Harrison Obatoyinbo racing 60 metres after Cameron Hutchison gathered a chip ahead. Grayson converted to narrow the gap again.

Bonus point seals victory

Leicester secured the decisive fourth try when Izaia Perese chased a clever chip from a five-metre scrum to score, ensuring the bonus point. The closing stages produced no further points as both sides battled the elements as the Tigers completed a 28-19 victory.