Tigers edge thrilling contest

A Steve Mafi try three minutes from time helped Leicester secure a hard-fought 27-26 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.

The defeat leaves Newcastle anchored at the foot of the table and they will count themselves hard done by in the closing stages, especially in the final seconds when the referee could easily have awarded them a potential match-winning penalty.

Edward Slater and Julian Salvi also touched down for the Tigers, with Billy Twelvetrees kicking 12 points. Greg Goosen, Tim Swinson and Luke Fielden were the try-scorers for the hosts, Jimmy Gopperth contributing the rest of their points.

Harlequins continued their winning start to the season with a convincing 42-6 bonus-point victory over Gloucester at the Stoop.

In wet conditions, Quins' dogged pack out-fought their opponents at the breakdown and in the set-piece, resulting in two pushover tries from the impressive young flanker Luke Wallace.

Fly-half Nick Evans was a constant threat and slick passing in the backline resulted in tries for wingers Sam Smith and Ugo Monye. Replacement hooker Chris Brooker rounded off an impressive showing with a fifth try as Quins claimed a third straight success.

Close-season signing Fraser McKenzie opened his scoring account as Sale overcame Wasps 29-18. Skipper David Seymour also went over, while Nick Macleod kicked 19 points.

Former Sale centre Chris Bell and fly-half Ryan Davis scored the Wasps tries, with Davis adding a conversion and two penalties.

Meanwhile, a penalty two minutes from time by Tom Homer gave London Irish their first win of the season as they defeated Northampton 14-13.

Bath scored second-half tries through Dan Hipkiss and Nathan Catt to win a full-blooded west country derby 23-19 at the Recreation Ground but could not stop Exeter claiming a losing bonus point with a last-minute penalty try.