Newcastle Falcons edge past Stade Francais

Newcastle Falcons survived a closely-fought match against Stade Francais to clinch a 30-23 win in the European Rugby Challenge Cup this evening.

The home side pulled away in the first half when Chris Harris and Simon Hammersley both scored tries, but Morne Steyn kicked three penalties to keep the visitors just five points back at the break.

Julien Tomas made the most of a quick break for the visitors at the start of the second half, sprinting over less than a minute after the restart to give Stade Francais the lead.

Sean Robinson soon responded for Newcastle, while Tom Catterick added a penalty to edge the Falcons back in front.

Krisnan Inu briefly put the visitors back ahead with the French side's second try of the match, squeezing through a Newcastle gap, but Noah Cato darted over in the corner late on to seal the victory for the home side.

The result keep Falcons unbeaten in the competition this season, while Stade Francais sit third in Pool Three.