Harlequins kicked off 2025 with a resounding 38-14 bonus-point victory over a struggling Newcastle Falcons side at Kingston Park. The dominant performance saw tries from James Chisholm, Marcus Smith, Jack Walker, Oscar Beard, and Sam Riley, securing a much-needed win for Danny Wilson’s team and reaffirming their dominance over the Falcons. Harlequins controlled the match from the outset, quickly establishing their superiority and demonstrating a clinical edge in attack.
The visitors asserted their dominance early, capitalizing on a lineout opportunity with Chisholm showcasing his power to barge over the line for the opening try. Despite a temporary setback with Irne Herbst’s sin-binning, which allowed Adam Radwan to level the score for Newcastle, Harlequins quickly regained control. Smith’s try before halftime restored their lead, highlighting the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and their attacking prowess. The match remained competitive until the final stages, with Newcastle narrowing the gap to just three points with Ben Redshaw’s try. However, Harlequins’ resilience and superior fitness shone through in the closing minutes, scoring three late tries to secure the bonus point and seal a convincing victory.
The win was a welcome return to form for Harlequins, who had struggled in their previous three Premiership matches. Their trip to Kingston Park, however, proved fruitful, extending their winning streak against Newcastle to nine consecutive games. Despite a period of sloppiness during Herbst’s sin-binning, Harlequins maintained composure and ultimately overwhelmed the Falcons, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on their numerical advantage and their clinical finishing ability. The victory showcased the team’s mental fortitude and their ability to bounce back from setbacks, highlighting their potential for a successful campaign.
James Chisholm, Harlequins’ number eight, was instrumental in his team’s victory, earning the Player of the Match accolade. His early try, a testament to his strength and determination, set the tone for Harlequins’ dominance. Chisholm consistently drove his team forward, providing a powerful presence in the back of the pack and contributing significantly to their bonus-point win. His performance epitomized the team’s overall display: powerful, resilient, and ultimately, victorious. Chisholm’s impact extended beyond his try-scoring contribution, consistently making strong carries and disrupting Newcastle’s defensive efforts, creating opportunities for his teammates to shine.
The match statistics further underscored Harlequins’ dominance, highlighting their ability to control possession and territory. Their superior set-piece play, particularly in the lineout, provided a platform for their attacking forays. The ability to score three tries in the final eight minutes demonstrated their superior fitness and their unwavering commitment to attack, even in the closing stages of the game. This relentless pressure eventually broke Newcastle’s resistance, leading to a comprehensive and well-deserved victory for the visitors.
The comprehensive victory provided a positive start to 2025 for Harlequins, offering a much-needed boost of confidence after a challenging period. The performance demonstrated their potential for a successful season, showcasing a potent blend of power, pace, and clinical finishing. The win against Newcastle, a team struggling at the bottom of the Premiership table, served as a statement of intent from Harlequins, signaling their ambition to climb the league standings and challenge for silverware. The team’s ability to secure a bonus-point victory further emphasizes their attacking prowess and their determination to dominate their opponents.
