By ROB WILDMAN

Leicester ..........36pts
Tries: Cronin 2, Nadolo 7, 37; Ashton 37, Cracknell 73
Conversions: Gopperth 2, 38, 37, 73
Penalties: Gopperth 71

Newcastle ........21pts
Tries: Barton 17, McGuigan 31, Carreras 48
Conversions: Connon 17, 31, 48
A determined finish by Leicester earned the champions a flattering win over resilient Newcastle at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Leicester needed a late try from substitute Olly Cracknell to finally quell a Newcastle team who “tested and stretched us to the full,” in the words of home boss Steve Borthwick.
Newcastle led 14-12 in the first ...