NEWCASTLE DEFEATS LEEDS

Newcastle defeated Leeds in the most demoralising of fashions in the battle of the bottom two clubs at Headingley.

Falcons made the perfect start after seven minutes with Ally Hogg’s try before Jimmy Gopperth added two penalties shortly before the break.

Newcastle extended their lead with two more Gopperth kicks to make it 17-0.

Leeds’ consistent errors and Falcons’ stern defending restricted the hosts to Scott Freer’s 65th-minute try before Jeremy Manning sealed the victory.

Leeds enjoyed twice as much possession as their visitors but their poor decision making in attack and consistent loss of possession to turn-overs cost them dearly.