Harlequins kicked off 2025 with a resounding 38-14 bonus-point victory over a struggling Newcastle Falcons side at Kingston Park. The win, punctuated by tries from James Chisholm, Marcus Smith, Jack Walker, Oscar Beard, and Sam Riley, showcased a dominant performance by Danny Wilson’s men, breaking their three-match losing streak in the Gallagher Premiership. Despite a brief period of sloppiness while temporarily down a man, Harlequins controlled the majority of the match, capitalizing on their forward strength and clinical finishing to secure a comfortable victory against a team they have historically dominated.
The match began with Harlequins asserting their dominance early on, effectively utilizing their lineout to create scoring opportunities. Chisholm’s opening try, a powerful surge through Newcastle’s defense, set the tone for the visitors’ attacking intent. While Newcastle managed to capitalize on a sin-binning of Harlequins’ Irne Herbst with a try from Adam Radwan, Harlequins quickly regained control upon returning to full strength. Smith’s try, facilitated by a slick offload from Will Evans, restored their lead heading into halftime, showcasing their ability to exploit space and capitalize on Newcastle’s defensive lapses.
The second half saw Newcastle briefly threaten a comeback, reducing the deficit to just three points with Ben Redshaw’s opportunistic try, capitalizing on a fortunate bounce from a Ben Stevenson kick. However, this proved to be a fleeting moment of hope for the home side. Harlequins responded emphatically, scoring three tries in the final eight minutes to secure the bonus point and put the game beyond reach. Walker’s try from a driving maul, Beard’s finish after a clever Smith kick and assist to Murley, and Riley’s late try, a product of a series of slick offloads, underscored Harlequins’ dominance in the closing stages.
The victory marked Harlequins’ ninth consecutive win against Newcastle, highlighting their continued superiority in this fixture. James Chisholm earned Player of the Match honors for his impactful performance, showcasing his strength with the opening try and consistently driving Harlequins forward from the back of the scrum. His contributions were crucial in securing the bonus-point victory, reflecting his impactful contributions in both attack and defense. Chisholm’s powerful carries provided the platform for Harlequins’ attacking forays, and his defensive presence helped contain Newcastle’s attempts to gain momentum.
Marcus Smith also delivered a standout performance, controlling the game expertly from fly-half. His try, conversion, and astute tactical kicking were instrumental in Harlequins’ success, demonstrating his ability to influence the game in various ways. Smith’s vision and execution were evident in his key assists, highlighting his playmaking prowess and ability to unlock defensive lines. His accurate goal-kicking further solidified Harlequins’ dominance, converting crucial opportunities and maximizing their point tally.
The match highlighted a stark contrast in performance between the two sides. Harlequins’ ability to execute their game plan effectively, coupled with their clinical finishing, ultimately proved too much for a struggling Newcastle side. While Newcastle showed flashes of promise, particularly in their ability to capitalize on Harlequins’ temporary numerical disadvantage, they ultimately lacked the consistency and firepower to compete with a resurgent Harlequins outfit. The Falcons now search for answers to their ongoing struggles in an attempt to make amends for being at the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership.
