Newcastle Falcons have finally broken the mould this evening, with an intense and memorable 24-18 victory over Exeter Chiefs.
After 19 months without a Gallagher Premiership victory, Steve Diamond’s men gave their Kingston Park faithful something to truly cheer about this evening. “Tonight’s the night”, Falcons media manager Mark Smith had noted before the game, and tonight he was right.
Three close-range tries including a double from Jamie Blamire and one from Philip van der Walt gave the hosts a comprehensive lead, but it was a 68th-minute drop goal from Ethan Grayson that lifted Newcastle off the bottom of the league table.
A STEP CLOSER TO HISTORY! 👀
Ethan Grayson has @FalconsRugby‘s first droppy in over a decade 🏉#GallagherPrem | #NEWvEXE pic.twitter.com/TWHbBLcHY1
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 18, 2024
To take nothing away from the victors, the Chiefs were well off the pace during the match, showing little team cohesion amid a display littered with mistakes. Rob Baxter’s side will look to rebuild quickly as they find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table.
Steve Diamonds boys will no doubt celebrate well into the Newcastle night this evening, building upon that unique team spirit grafted by hard times.
Dimes to Chiefs fan: “This is what a team with spirit looks like” pic.twitter.com/wt0A7utXk4
— Jon Newcombe (@RugbyTimes) October 18, 2024
Fans, journalists and pundits alike are all sharing in the jublitory scenes this evening.
Commentator Nick Mullins said on X: “The indefatigable Callum Chick was Newcastle’s player of the match. But if there was a big enough medal, I’d give a piece of it to every single Falcons fan who stuck by their club and turned up again tonight. This is for them.”
Colleague Jamie Lyall added: “After 581 days and 19 months of misery, Newcastle Falcons finally win a @premrugby match. Callum Chick a colossus. A performance laced with maturity, steel grit. And a people united”.
While journalism student, Oliver Darcy noted: “To see Newcastle Falcons earn their first win after 581 days is just fantastic to see Steve Diamond has done a superb job, and it’s a win that the whole Premiership is happy to see What a result for the Falcons!”
🎶 It’s been a while…
You deserve it lads! 🖤🤍#TrueNorth pic.twitter.com/yQKvgEHAO1
— Newcastle Falcons (@FalconsRugby) October 18, 2024
Watch the exclusive reveal-all episode of Walk the Talk with Ardie Savea as he chats to Jim Hamilton about the RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks and what the future holds. Watch now for free on RugbyPass TV
Sign In