Quins cruise to Cup triumph

Rory Clegg booted 14 of his side's points as Harlequins overcame Newcastle 19-8 in the second week of the LV= Cup at Kingston Park.

Returning to his former club, Clegg kicked two penalties either side of the break and converted Sam Smith's first-half try as Quins cruised to victory, handing Falcons a second successive defeat.

Clegg immediately put his side in front when play was recalled for offside in the just the second minute, but it was Newcastle who had the better of the early exchanges - Tom Biggs knocking on with the line in sight.

Another burst by winger Danny Williams took Falcons past halfway with the visitors struggling to get numbers back, but once again a handling error brought play to a halt with Josh Afu the offender on this occasion.

However, Clegg doubled the advantage on 22 minutes after flanker Ed Williamson infringed at the ruck, but a similar offence near halfway gave the hosts a swift chance to respond, Rob Miller coming up with the goods.

The recovery was short-lived though. Quins full-back Ross Chisholm broke from defence before off-loading to winger Smith, who chipped ahead before racing on to the ball and touching down - the un-erring Clegg adding the two.

Miller had an opportunity to narrow the deficit before the break but his penalty attempt drifted wide, giving Quins a 10-point lead at half-time.

Play was disrupted early in the second period when Quins' flanker Neil McMillan needed to be stretchered off with what could be a serious neck injury, but Newcastle soon conceded a third penalty which Clegg converted.

The stand-off missed with an attempt from much closer in before normal service was resumed just before the hour mark, finding his range from long distance to give the visitors a comfortable 16-3 lead heading into the last quarter.

Falcons continued to infringe at the breakdown but Clegg missed two more penalty attempts with the hosts coming under constant pressure, and they had several chances to clear right away.

But against the run of play Miller broke from defence for the Falcons, and after crossing at halfway replacement centre Michael Tait continued the move to cross for an unexpected, if meaningless try.