Newcastle Falcons 14-18 Gloucester: Visitors make it two wins in two to open Gallagher Premiership

Tries from George McGuigan, against his former side, and Jake Morris did the damage for Gloucester in a one-sided first half that also saw Callum Chick thrown away for the Falcons; Newcastle have lost both their opening games of the season

George McGuigan scored two tries against his former side as Gloucester defeated Newcastle Falcons 18-14

Gloucester made it two wins from two to start the Gallagher Premiership season as they secured a nail-biting 18-14 victory over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

Tries from George McGuigan, against his former side, and Jake Morris did the damage in a one-sided first half that also saw Callum Chick sin-binned for the Falcons.

George Barton added eight points from the tee for the visitors before Newcastle made a late comeback via a penalty that also saw McGuigan shown a yellow card.

Adam Radwan’s brilliant solo effort wasn’t enough to prevent Gloucester ultimately claiming victory and handing the Falcons a second successive defeat.

The visitors took an early lead, with Barton taking advantage of a penalty from 22 yards out in the ninth minute. McGuigan then came back to haunt his former club when he drove over after a lineout situation on 17 minutes – Barton converted from a tight angle to increase the lead to 10 points.

The home side hit back almost immediately when Ben Stevenson was let in through slip, but a good tackle from Stephen Varney prevented an easy try in the corner.

On 21 minutes the Cherry and Whites were running in their second try when a high kick caused panic behind the posts – Morris kept his composure to take the catch and score.

However, the conversion was missed by Barton as the howling wind and endless rain caused problems for both sides.

Falcons captain Chick was sent to the sin bin a minute before half-time, and Gloucester almost made them pay with the final play of the half. Arthur Clark spotted Alex Hearle on the right wing with Kingston Park’s freedom but the referee ruled his pass had gone forward.

Wing Radwan took matters into his own hands shortly after the break when he carried the ball 40 yards – avoiding three challenges along the way – before Varney intervened again.

Barton added a further three points from the tee after ten minutes of half-time as the away side looked increasingly threatening.

Newcastle began to gain a foothold after the hour and were rewarded with a penalty try after McGuigan pulled down a maul that appeared to go over the try line.

Radwan then produced a stunning run from left to right before cutting through the Gloucester defense to reduce the deficit to four and give his side a losing bonus point.

But it wasn’t enough to deny the Cherry and Whites victory, and revenge for the Falcons who completed the double against them last season.