Classy Exiles storm to top

London Irish stormed to the top of the Allied Dunbar Premiership One when they brushed aside the challenge of Newcastle, the 1998 champions.

The Exiles, playing their first match at The Stoop - under the new ground sharing arrangement with landlords Harlequins - made it three out of three to topple overnight leaders Bristol on points difference as they outscored the Falcons by seven tries to one.

After full-back Pete Massey had slotted a second minute penalty to give Newcastle an early lead, Irish responded in fine fashion to go ahead on the 15 minute mark with a try from captain Ryan Strudwick, who exchanged passes with Robert Todd before galloping over from the 22-metre line.

Newcastle without eight internationals who are on World Cup duty and unable to call on the calming influence of the recently retired Rob Andrew at out-half, responded with a well-manufactured try from left wing Mike Wood to make it 10-8 three minutes later.

But it was the last time the visitors were in touch as Ben Whetstone, with his third try in two games, and loose forward Neal Hatley touched down before half time to give Irish a virtually unassailable 27-8 lead.

The young Newcastle side stuck to their guns bravely after the break as they attempted to withstand the Exiles' onslaught, but they were totally outclassed by an Irish side who were themselves lacking six internationals on World Cup duty.

Newcastle conceded a string of penalties as the hosts piled on the pressure, and the Falcons leaked a further four tries, two to left wing Todd, as their afternoon of misery continued.

The massive points differential means that Newcastle have slipped to the bottom of the table below Bedford and with no points from their first three games.