Tigers overpower Newcastle in seven-try romp

Gallagher Premiership

Newcastle (3) 10

Tries: Chick Cons: Grayson Pens: Grayson

Leicester (20) 42

Tries: Hassell-Collins, Watson, Ilione, Steward, Martin, Wand, Liebenberg Cons: Shillcock (2) Pens: Shillcock

Leicester Tigers flexed their muscles as they ran in seven tries to cruise to an emphatic Premiership victory over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

Ollie Hassell-Collins, Anthony Watson and debutant Will Wand were among the scorers for Tigers.

Leicester were without head coach Michael Cheika, serving a one-match ban for 'disrespecting a match-day doctor' in their opening game of the season.

But his absence mattered little - the visitors were in control from the start and recorded their biggest-ever margin of victory in league meetings between the sides.

Newcastle rallied, but ultimately failed to muster any sort of attacking threat to inject any jeopardy into the game as their wait for a win stretches to 24 matches.

Jamie Shillcock and Ethan Grayson each kicked successful penalties in the opening few minutes in a cagey start, with minimal early threat from either side.

But on 19 minutes, after a spell of concerted Leicester pressure, Tigers scored their opening try when Hassell-Collins crossed in the left-hand corner. Shillcock made no mistake with the conversion, but would struggle as the match progressed.

Patient play opened up the chance for Leicester's second try. A lovely switch of play found Watson to cross, but Shillcock's kick did not have the required curl to convert.

The third try, moments after Grayson missed a Falcons penalty, felt like a pivotal moment. Emeka Ilione powered his way over after a push from Leicester and although Shillcock kicked wide, the Tigers were still 20-3 ahead at the break.

Leicester's dominance continued into the second half as Freddie Steward secured a bonus point after Joseph Woodward rode two tackles and fed him from close range, although Shillcock missed again with the boot.

Watson and Hanro Liebenberg were both sin-binned for Leicester, and Newcastle gained fresh impetus against 13 men. Callum Chick went over for their only try and Grayson converted.

After Falcons' Jamie Blamire entered the sin-bin for a high tackle, George Martin extinguished any glimmer of Newcastle hope with just over 20 minutes remaining before Shillcock added the conversion for extra security.

There was still time for two more scores, with Wand crossing on his Leicester bow before Liebenberg wrapped things up, but Shillcock again failed to add the extras.

Falcons consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond told BBC Radio Newcastle:

"For a side that haven't had their coach all week, they (Leicester) were remarkable.

"It looked like this team hadn't been coached for six weeks and I've got to take responsibility for that performance, I didn't see it coming.

"I think we've made some great strides over the pre-season and the last couple of games, but tonight showed the gulf if we're not on it mentally.

"In all areas we were beaten comprehensively. In defence, we weren't off the mark, we weren't abrasive. Our discipline went out the window. In attack, we ran across the field and it was easy for Leicester to defend it."

Tigers attack coach Peter Hewat told BBC Radio Leicester:

"To come away from home, particularly up here, and get a bonus-point win, I'm really happy and proud for the players.

"We went down to 13 and at the back end of the game were defending our line and just didn't want to give in - that's the character we're building here.

"There's a lot of moving parts. It will take time to develop. When you get buy-in from the players, then we will slowly get there.

"Michael's (head coach Michael Cheika) asked for the senior players to show more leadership. I'm sure the boss will be happy with what he saw."

Newcastle: Obatoyinbo, Redshaw, Doherty, Arnold, Stevenson, Grayson, Stuart, Brovklebank, Blamire, Palframan, Hawkins, McDonald, Van der Walt, Gordon, Chick

Replacements: Fletcher, De Brun, McCallum, Rubiolo, Lockwood, Davis, Spencer, Brown

Leicester: Steward, Watson, Perese, Woodward, Hassell-Collins, Shillcock, Van Poortvliet, Smith, Clare, Hurd, Martin, Chessum, Ilione, Reffell, Liebenberg

Replacements: Vanes, Cronin, Cole, Wells, Joussain, Youngs, Volavola, Wand

Referee: Jack Makepeace