Falcons show spirit but Quins do enough

HARLEQUINS duly secured the bonus point win that most pundits expected but Newcastle will have been far from downhearted as they made the long coach journey home.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

There were plenty of jinks and breaks and flashing attacking intent from Quins but ultimately the home side rather flattered to deceive against a Falcons side that put in a full 80 minute defensive shift and had their own moments of quality in attack.

If Steve Diamond’s squad can kick on and stay relatively injury free – they are operating with the Premiership’s smallest squad having insufficient funds to spend anywhere near the salary cap – they will prove a much tougher nut to crack than some are anticipating.

Ireland’s Sammy Arnold, a hugely combative and physical centre, is their rallying point and if Newcastle take their cue from him, they won’t go far wrong.