NEWCASTLE — Leicester Tigers held off Newcastle Red Bulls 24-19 at Kingston Park to secure their first win of the Premiership season. Former Newcastle winger Adam Radwan marked his return to his old home with a try as the Tigers ended a seven-match winless run in all competitions stretching back into last season.
Newcastle struck first through Obi Ene's early score, but Leicester answered with tries from Moli, Radwan and Hurd, all converted by Searle, who also added a penalty to build a 24-19 advantage. The hosts stayed in the contest with further tries from McGuigan and Jordan, converted by Connon and Henry, yet could not complete a late comeback in their first home match of the campaign.
The victory required grit and determination from Leicester, who arrived at Kingston Park six days after being edged out by two points in a high-scoring contest against Saracens. That narrow defeat had extended a dismal sequence, but the Tigers clung on against a Newcastle side that threatened until the final moments despite another improved showing.
Radwan's move to Leicester after eight and a half seasons at Newcastle added extra edge to the fixture. Newcastle started Obatoyinbo, Wade, Hearle, Harris and Ene in the backs with Connon and Elliott at half-back, while Leicester fielded Steward, Radwan, Kata, Bailey and Hamer-Webb behind Searle and captain Van Poortvliet, with Vunipola, Moli and Heyes anchoring the front row.