Leicester hold off Newcastle 24-19 to end six-match losing run

Leicester Tigers secured their first win of the season with a 24-19 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park on Saturday. Adam Radwan scored against his former club as Leicester ended a six-match losing run across all competitions, according to BBC Sport's match report.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIyXu4alW1E

Newcastle struck first through Obi Ene, but Leicester overturned the early deficit with tries from Samiuela Moli and Radwan. Billy Searle converted both and added a penalty to send the visitors into half-time 17-5 ahead. RUCK's match coverage also confirmed the 12-point interval margin, which Newcastle spent the second half trying to erase.

George McGuigan brought the hosts closer with a try from short range, converted by Brett Connon. Will Hurd then answered for Leicester from a quick tap, with Searle's conversion restoring a 12-point advantage. Cameron Jordan crossed for Newcastle late on and Zack Henry added the extras, leaving the hosts just five points behind as the match entered its closing stages.

BBC Sport reported that Christian Wade threatened again with a run down the wing, but Newcastle were penalised for holding on and Leicester kicked to touch to finish the game. The visitors had also needed important defensive interventions earlier: Gabriel Hamer-Webb denied Harrison Obatoyinbo, while replacement Will Wand prevented Ene from claiming another try after the break.

The victory reversed the outcome of the clubs' recent cup meeting. Newcastle's official team announcement had noted their 36-24 win at Leicester three weeks earlier in the PREM Rugby Cup. Saturday's match also brought a first Newcastle start for former All Black Hoskins Sotutu, who had made his debut from the bench against Northampton in the league opener.

Neither coaching staff regarded the performance as complete. Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester, Tigers head coach Geoff Parling praised his team's defensive resolve but said second-half accuracy, particularly at the set-piece, needed improvement. Newcastle's Dan McFarland told BBC Radio Newcastle that his side had brought energy and attacking ambition, but had not been precise enough in important areas of a match he believed they could have won.