So, we've had late drama in both tonight's games to get the 2016-17 Premiership season off to an absolutely thrilling start, with an extremely early contender for game of the season.

It will be a happy journey home for Leicester Tigers, and a relieved Newcastle Falcons dressing room at Kingston Park.

Do be sure to join us again tomorrow when champions Saracens get their title defence under way, Bath begin life under new boss Todd Blackadder and Bristol make their long-awaited return to the top flight.

It should be another cracker. Until then, good night.

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Tigers have now beaten Gloucester in 36 of their 56 meetings - quite an unwanted record for Gloucester.

The Cherry and Whites will be scratching their heads as to quite how they lost this encounter, from 24 points up.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill tells BT Sport: "I'm delighted with the win. I'm delighted with the fitness of the players.

"But I'm so, so disappointed with that first 50 minutes. We were pretty woeful and need to put that right pretty quickly.

"But credit to the players, we got our composure back, and Gloucester ran out of steam, to be fair.

"It was nice to see a 15-man rolling maul to win the game. We've pushed the boys a little bit harder and made sure that they're fit. We've got quality to punish teams."

Dan Mugford misses a kick right at the death, that would have won the game for Sale. Sharks thought they had turned it around.

Newcastle hold on for what could prove to be a massive win for them!

Leicester Tigers debutant JP Pietersen tells BT Sport: "It was a shaky start for us in the first half but I got a proper taste of the English league.

"I was quite worried at 31-7 down, a bit scared. I was like 'can we do it'? But the boys fight!

"Credit to the forwards, to the big men for the drives."

The hosts have the chance to take a five-point lead in the closing stages as Mike Delany kicks for the posts from a penalty but his kick is wide. Sale are still in this, just.

And to think, Gloucester had the option to kick for three points in the 75th minute, when leading 31-24...

The Cherry and Whites fans trudge home in almost disbelief. They've gone from joyous jubilation to depressing despair.

It's a familiar tale which they were all-to used to last season, letting games slip in the final 10 minutes. Plenty for them to ponder, after a magnificent first half.

Sam Harrison kicks the conversion and, from 31-7 down in the second half, Leicester Tigers have won. What an astonishing start to the season - just astonishing.

Could Leicester win this? They win a penalty on halfway and, after considering kicking for a momentous three points, Sam Harrison is persuaded to kick for the corner. And he does. Perfectly. More late drama. Line-out time.

James Hook spins beyond four tackles and Gloucester win a penalty, which Hook kicks deep into the corner for a lineout. Could he have gone for the three points? They've opted for the territory. Leicester steal the line-out and Gloucester's chance to extend their lead goes begging.

Newcastle haven't panicked after that Johnny Leota try for Sale.

Mike Delany slots a couple of penalties to take the hosts nine points clear.

25 minutes to go at Kingston Park.

Gloucester turn the ball over and win another penalty. Are they edging closer to a hard-fought win on the opening night? Leicester have dominated the second half but still trail.

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Gloucester win a scrum! It could be an important moment, ending a lengthy spell of Tigers possession. Greig Laidlaw with the put in. And they do well to gather it and kick the ball into touch near halfway.

It is all Leicester Tigers at the moment. Matt Kvesic is back on for the hosts after his spell in the sin bin, but Gloucester are still under real pressure.

Tigers think they have crossed for a try in the corner, after another powerful drive after winning a penalty.

But they went into touch! It won't count. Good spot by the officials. Gloucester are clinging on to their lead...

Dom Barrow goes off, as does captain Tom Youngs. Graham Kitchener and George McGuigan come on for Tigers.