BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | English | Exiles clip Falcons' wings

Newcastle Falcons 16-24 London Irish

The boot of Barry Everitt lifted London Irish out of the bottom two and secured his side a first away win of the season at Kingston Park.

The Irish fly-half landed all his side's points with six penalties and two drop goals to claim a priceless victory.

The Exiles' early 6-0 advantage was cancelled out by half-time as Jonny Wilkinson converted a Jamie Noon try and added two penalties for a 13-12 interval lead.

But Everitt landed three more penalties - to one from Wilkinson - and a second drop goal late on to move Irish above Bath at the bottom.

Match details

Newcastle 16 (13)
Tries: Noon
Cons: J Wilkinson
Pens: J Wilkinson 3

L Irish 24 (12)
Pens: Everitt 6
Drop: Everitt 2

It was an error-strewn performance from Newcastle as they slipped to a fifth defeat in eight league games.

They found themselves behind to Everitt's opening two penalties in the first quarter, failing to profit from several promising attacking positions.

But giant Tongan Epi Taione, playing on the left wing, powered his way deep into the Irish 22 to bring the home side into it.

His quick tap penalty was worked wide and Noon slid in at the corner, Wilkinson converting from the touchline.

The England fly-half, playing at centre, then added a 50-metre penalty and another from closer in to give Newcastle a 13-6 lead.

But Everitt struck a fine drop goal and added a penalty in first half injury time as Wilkinson was punished for hanging on in the tackle.

London Irish wing Paul Sackey tries to halt Newcastle's Epi Taione
Taione was Newcastle's main attacking threat

The prolific Irishman - leading points scorer in the Premiership last season - put the Exiles in front with his fourth successful penalty on the resumption.

But the Falcons continued to press with Wilkinson's up and under causing chaos, Taione nearly breaking through and Michael Stephenson narrowly off target with a drop-goal.

Wilkinson eventually edged them back in front at 16-15 with a penalty, but the home side were grateful for Liam Botham's try-saving tackle on Michael Horak.

Photo Gallery: Zurich Premiership pictures

Everitt kicked Irish back in front when Nick Makin trampled all over a ruck, and Newcastle staged a frantic finish with some powerful runs from Taione, Stephenson and Noon.

But an 80th-minute drop goal from Everitt as Newcastle again lost the ball in their own half sealed victory.

The Falcons' misery was complete in the seventh minute of injury time when another silly penalty conceded saw Everitt deprive them of a bonus point.

Newcastle: Noon; Taione, May J Wilkinson, Stephenson; Godman, Charlton; Peel, Brotherstone, Hurter, Hamilton, Grimes, Dunbar, Arnold, Vyvyan.
Replacements: Grindal, Botham, Ward, Makin, Devonshire, Dowson, Otuvaka.

London Irish: Horak; Sackey, Burrows, Venter, Bishop; Everitt, Edwards; Worsley, Drotske, Halford, Strudwick, Kennedy, Gustard, Dawson, Sheasby.
Replacements: Barrett, Mapletoft, Cockle, Flavin, Delaney, Hatley, Durant.

Referee: Robin Goodliffe (Sheffield).


	Links to more English stories