Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Newcastle Falcons 24-18 Exeter Chiefs

Newcastle Falcons 24-18 Exeter Chiefs, Kingston Park

Newcastle Falcons ended their Gallagher Premiership winless streak on Friday night with a hard-fought 27-21 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Kingston Park.

The Falcons, backed by their passionate home crowd, delivered a determined performance to claim their first win of the season, overcoming a resilient Exeter side.

Exeter Chiefs started strong, with England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scoring in the right corner after Josh Hodge’s break and pass just four minutes into the game.

Despite the early setback, Newcastle responded with sustained pressure, and a string of penalties led to their first try.

The TMO awarded Philip van der Walt a try as the big South African powered over from close range, with Ethan Grayson adding the conversion to give the Falcons a 7-5 lead.

Exeter quickly regained the advantage as Hodge slotted two long-range penalties, but Newcastle continued to push. Their efforts were rewarded when hooker Jamie Blamire crashed over from a tap penalty, putting the Falcons back in front.

Grayson’s conversion extended the lead to 14-11 at halftime.

Newcastle carried their momentum into the second half, and their relentless pressure finally paid off in the 55th minute. A well-placed kick from Grayson set up a maul, and Blamire rumbled over for his second try, with Grayson converting to make it 21-11.

Grayson continued to manage the game astutely, pinning Exeter back with smart kicking. His well-timed drop goal extended Newcastle's lead to 27-14, giving the home side a 13-point cushion.

Despite a late converted try from Hodge for Exeter, Newcastle held firm to close out the game.

The Falcons showed great composure and resilience to secure this important victory, breaking their winless streak and giving the Kingston Park faithful plenty to cheer about.

Team line up:

Newcastle: Redshaw; Radwan, Doherty, Arnold, Stevenson; Grayson, Stuart; Brocklebank, Blamire, Palframan, Rubiolo, Hawkins, Van der Walt, Gordon, Chick (capt).

Reserves: Fletcher, De Bruin, McCallum, Lockwood, Scott, Davis, Hearle, Hutchison.

Exeter: Hodge; Feyi-Waboso, Woodburn, Hawkins, Brown-Bampoe; Skinner, Maunder; Sio, Yeandle (capt), Street, Tuima, Molina, Roots, Capstick, Vintcent.

Reserves: Innard, Blose, Iosefa-Scott, Tshiunza, Fisilau, Cairns, Haydon-Wood, Hammersley.