Source: Eurosport
Newcastle v Harlequins - 25 September
Quins halt slide against Falcons[LNB]Harlequins found some relief after a summer of scandal as they ended their losing run with a 17-17 draw against Newcastle at Kingston Park.[LNB]The fallout from the `Bloodgate' affair had followed the Quins back on to the pitch this season with four successive defeats but a strong second-half comeback offered some respite for last year's play-off semi-finalists.[LNB]For Newcastle it was a third draw in four matches and both teams remain winless this season.[LNB]Newcastle quickly established a 14-3 lead with tries from Tane Tu'ipulotu and Tim Swinson - both benefactors of fine work from the impressive Micky Young.[LNB]The Newcastle number nine, returning from injury, achieved the rare distinction of upstaging England scrum-half Danny Care in the first half.[LNB]But Harlequins and Care responded in the second half with Ugo Monye's try giving them hope before the boot of New Zealander Nick Evans salvaged a draw for Harlequins.[LNB]A simple penalty from Evans gave Harlequins an early lead, but in the ninth minute Newcastle took control.[LNB]Stand-in captain Jimmy Gopperth, on his return from injury, pounced on a loose ball in midfield, with Harlequins dozing in defence, and he released Charlie Amesbury.[LNB]When the jinking winger was finally halted, Newcastle got the quick ball they needed and Young created just enough space for Tu'ipulotu to crash over. Gopperth added the conversion.[LNB]Despite the late withdrawal of captain and propping anchor Carl Hayman with a hamstring injury, Newcastle's pack more than held their own up front.[LNB]And the Falcons extended their points advantage mid-way through the first half.[LNB]Again the diminutive Young squirmed his way to within striking distance, before letting one of the big boys grab the glory.[LNB]This time it was second row Swinson who barged over the line and Gopperth converted.[LNB]Where Newcastle were efficient, Harlequins were wasteful. Young's opposite number, Care, spilled the ball forward five metres from the line in one of a number of fruitless forays into their opponent's 22.[LNB]Evans reduced the deficit with an early second-half penalty and a try from Monye brought Quins to within three points.[LNB]The England international burst into the line from full-back and his arcing run took him into the corner unopposed.[LNB]It was a moment that proved his attacking potential from deep but no doubt Martin Johnson will demand greater all-round awareness than he displayed tonight, if he is to be given the number 15 shirt for the autumn internationals.[LNB]A long-range penalty from Gopperth protected Newcastle's advantage but Evans hit back again with the boot.[LNB]The late sin-binning of Rob Vickers for constant infringing, gave Quins hope and Evans levelled the scoreboard.[LNB]A late drop goal sailed wide from Evans as a first win eluded them.
