Newcastle Falcons endured a disappointing return to Aviva Premiership rugby action this afternoon as the North Easterners were defeated 39-8 at the Twickenham Stoop.

Tries from Danny Care, Luke Wallace, Mike Brown and a brace for wing Seb Stegmann gained in form Quins maximum points. 

An absorbing 1^st half saw Quins kick off and immediately set about looking to attack the Falcons line with the first scoring opportunity presenting itself after two minutes.  A clever Nick Evans kick to touch resulted in a powerful maul however the Falcons remained strong, and forced the men from the Stoop to go wide.  Good cover from the Falcons, and the help of the touchline as the extra defender shut down the move.

No shortage of attacking intent ensured the next 15 minutes were an even contest with both sides looking to and succeeding to break the gain line but the first score went the way of the home side on 14 minutes after Evans successfully kicked a penalty just outside the Falcons 22 after an offside infringement from the visitors.

Newcastle dusted themselves down and set about trying to get back into the game with further good play seeing Jamie Helleur break through however the even nature of the half saw Quins register their first try of the afternoon on 27 minutes as winger Stegmann broke through the tackle to score.

Alan Tait’s side responded well and crossed the try line themselves on 34 minutes after a highly intelligent piece of play.  From a scrum in the Harlequins 22 scrum half Chris Pilgrim peeled away and passed to Gopperth, who, switched the direction of the attack and created a gap expertly exploited by full back Jeremy Manning, the Kiwi’s momentum carrying him over the line, the score remained a five pointer as Gopperth’s conversion attempt fell wide.

The final score of the first half went the way of the home team after a knock on, again in the home 22, sent winger Sam Smith away down field.  Good defensive work from Gopperth prevented a walk in, however excellent support from England number 9 Danny Care secured the score.

The second half began well for the Kingston Park outfit, as a well weighted kick off was recovered by Andrew Van Der Heijden, however the next 15 minutes was that of intense pressure from the home team and whilst the Falcons defense was hugely impressive and resilient, repelling numerous short range forward and flowing back efforts it came at a cost with flanker Swinson being sent to the sin bin after skullduggery.  The defensive line was ultimately breeched when Quins No. 7 Luke Wallace was driven over from a driving maul from a line out just inside the Falcons 22.

The Falcons continued to push forward and were rewarded with a penalty after Gopperth was taken out late; however that, on 58 minutes, was Newcastle’s final score as Quins began to demonstrate the kind of flowing play that befits their current status as England’s top team.  Taking full advantage of the numerical superiority as scrum half Pilgrim joined Swinson on the side lines Quins added to their tally through fullback Mike Brown. Stegmann’s second and tighthead prop James Johnston completed the afternoon while the Falcons now prepare for two home games in the space of a week as they welcome Gloucester and Toulon to Kingston Park, aiming to continue their run of four home games unbeaten.

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Newcastle: Manning; Tait, Helleur, Fitzpatrick, Hufanga; Gopperth, Pilgrim; Wells, M Mayhew, Hall; Hudson (capt), van der Heijden; Swinson, Hogg, Tu'ifua.

Replacements: Goosen for Manning (68), Sheriffe for Tait (41), Pasqualin for Pilgrim (66), Shiells for Wells (53), Graham for M. Mayhew (66), Frazier for Hall (66), Fondse for Swinson (66), Welch for Tu'ifua (60).