London Irish secure narrow win over Newcastle Falcons

London Irish have held on to secure a narrow 22-21 win over Newcastle Falcons despite a late comeback from the visitors at the Madejski Stadium in the Aviva Premiership.

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The hosts made a quick start as Halani Aulika sprinted over inside the first minute of the match, while Scott Steele added a second shortly after.

The Exiles' dominance continued before half time as Andy Fenby added a further try just before the break, but a couple of Tom Catterick penalties kept Newcastle in contention.

The Falcons cut the gap to five points early in the second half when Chris Harris powered over for the away side's first try of the match.

However, a late penalty from Chris Noakes left the home side eight points up, ensuring that they remained in front when Adam Powell battled to the try line in the final minute of the match, leaving the Falcons a point adrift.

The result moves Irish six points clear of 11th-placed Newcastle in the table.