Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Newcastle Falcons 17-12 Saracens

Newcastle Falcons 17-12 Saracens, Kingston Park

Newcastle Falcons produced a resilient performance to secure a hard-fought 17-12 win over Saracens in challenging conditions at Kingston Park.

Saracens, returning to Gallagher Premiership action, struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, succumbing to their third league defeat of the season.

Newcastle started strongly in freezing conditions, taking an early 3-0 lead through Brett Connon’s penalty after Saracens were penalized for offside.

Despite some promising moments, Saracens failed to convert early opportunities, with Alex Lozowski narrowly missing an interception and Tobias Elliott coming close to breaking through.

Theo Dan provided a moment of inspiration in the 18th minute, bursting through the middle to set up Elliott for Saracens’ opening try. Although the conversion missed, the visitors briefly held a 5-3 lead.

The Falcons quickly struck back. Sustained pressure in the Saracens' 22 saw Alex Hearle stretch over the line, with Connon’s conversion making it 10-5.

Minutes later, a clever dummy opened space for Cameron Hutchinson, who released Adam Radwan for a blistering try. Connon’s touchline kick extended Newcastle’s lead to 17-5 at halftime.

The second half began with worsening conditions as rain added to the gusty winds. Falcons had a golden opportunity to extend their lead when Connon stepped through the Saracens defense but was pulled back for obstruction.

Saracens showed flashes of determination, with Elliott making a crucial try-saving tackle on Tom Gordon and Tom Parton coming close after a well-placed grubber kick. However, handling errors and a tenacious Falcons defense kept the visitors at bay.

With just two minutes left, Tom Willis gave Saracens a glimmer of hope, bundling over for a try after a quick penalty.

Fergus Burke’s conversion brought the score to 17-12, setting up a tense finale. However, Hugh Tizard’s red card dashed any comeback hopes, sealing Saracens’ defeat.

Team line up:

Newcastle: Grayson; Stevenson, Arnold, Hutchison, Hearle; Connon, Stuart; McCallum, Blamire, Palframan, Van der Walt, De Chaves, Lockwood, Gordon, Chick.

Reserves: Fletcher, Rewcastle, Hancock, McDonald, Leatherbarrow, Pepper, Spencer, Radwan.

Saracens: Daly; Elliot, Lozowski, Tompkins, Segun; Burke, Van Zyl; Carre, Dan, Balmain, McFarland, Tizard, Gonzalez, Knight, Willis.

Reserves: Hadfield, Mawi, Riccioni, Wilson, Michelow, Simpson, Spink,