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14-man Newcastle claim fiery victory over Gloucester
By PA
Newcastle produced a stunning performance in Mark Laycock’s first home game in charge as they prevailed 17-12 over Gloucester despite being reduced to 14 men in the first half of a fiery Gallagher Premiership encounter.
The sides traded early tries through Seb Blake and Adam Radwan, before Falcons prop Richard Palframan was sent off for a shoulder tackle in the 16th minute.
Ollie Thorley punished Newcastle with a touchdown within minutes as a bad-tempered opening period ended with the visitors leading 12-10.
But a try from Elliott Obatoyinbo proved just reward for a spirited performance from the depleted home side, who could have extended their lead but for Brett Connon failing to nail a penalty from long range.
It proved not to be pivotal, as the Falcons closed out a highly impressive victory to complete the double over their opponents and earn their sixth league win of the season.
Laycock was named interim head coach at Kingston Park following Dave Walder’s departure, and had to endure a rough opening half to his tenure.
The visitors hit the front after six minutes when Blake powered over following a tap penalty from five meters.
Santi Carreras failed to convert – despite hitting both posts – and the north-east side made them pay seven minutes later with a superb try.
Obatoyinbo moved through the tightest of spaces and showed brilliant awareness to dummy the ball, beat both Jordy Reid and Thorley, and find Radwan on the outside to score.
But the game turned when Palframan caught Freddie Clarke’s head with his shoulder, and the officials decided to issue a red card to the Falcons number three.
The Cherry and Whites quickly regained the lead as Blake delivered a line out to Lewis Ludlow who found Thorley and the winger bulldozed through to the try line, with Carreras adding the simple conversion.
The lead could have been extended when Thorley looked certain to dot down after a threaded through ball from Lloyd Evans, but a slightly casual approach enabled Radwan to dart in ahead of him and prevent another try.
Reid was also denied before the break, with the TMO spotting a knock on in the build-up to his touchdown.
Connon struck a penalty just before half-time to reduce the arrears to 12-10 after Kirill Gotovtsev caught Mateo Carreras with a hand to the face.
And the visiting side were made to pay for their earlier missed chances in the second half when Obatoyinbo received a kick from Connon on 63 minutes and weaved past Carreras to dot down, before the fly-half kicked an excellent conversion from the left wing.
The kicker could not extend the lead six minutes later with a penalty attempt, but it did not matter as Newcastle earned a gutsy victory.
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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