Premiership: Newcastle 18-20 London Irish

Both Newcastle and London Irish lost their opening games of the season

Newcastle's losing run in the Premiership stretched to 18 games after Juan Socino failed to convert a late Sinoti Sinoti try against London Irish.

The Falcons were seven points behind when Sinoti touched down on 76 minutes.

But centre Socino missed his sixth kick, after failing to add to earlier tries from Josh Furno and Scott Wilson.

The Exiles crossed twice in the second half through Fergus Mulchrone and Andrew Fenby, centre Shane Geraghty's boot proving to be the difference.

Geraghty landed two penalties in the first half to cancel out Newcastle's first unconverted try, touched down in the 10th minute by Italy international Furno on his home debut.

The Exiles' centre set up Irish's opening try shortly after the second half resumed, his weaving run finding Mulchrone, who crossed with ease.

Irish's Tom Court then received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Ruki Tipuna and, although Socino missed another sitter from the tee, Wilson drove over the line to reduce the deficit to three points.

London Irish gave themselves a 10-point cushion through Fenby's try, but it was met with controversy as the vocal crowd were sure it was set up by a forward pass from back-rower Blair Cowan.

Shane Geraghty kicked two penalties and two conversions for London Irish

Referee Andrew Small awarded the score but then paused Geraghty on the tee to see a replay on the big screen and eventually decided the try would stand.

Socino's 70th-minute penalty gave Newcastle hope and Sinoti looked like he could rescue a draw when he crashed over in the corner.

But Socino's conversion attempt from wide out hit the post and the Falcons had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Newcastle: Hammersley; Sinoti, Powell, Socino, Cato; Godman, Blair; Fry, Lawson, Tomaszczyk, Green, Furno, M Wilson, Welch, Hogg.

Replacements: Tipuna for Blair (46), Rogers for Fry (50), Tuilagi for Cato (52), Barrow for Furno (57), S Wilson for Tomaszczyk (58), Mayhew for M Wilson (73), Helleur for Powell (73), Hawkins for Lawson (77).

London Irish: Fenby; Lewington, Mulchrone, Geraghty, Short; Noakes, Steele; Court, Paice, Aulika, Skivington, Leo, Cowan, Treviranus, Guest.

Replacements: O'Leary for Treviranus (49), Sheridan for Geraghty (65), Cross for Aulika (66).

Not Used: Ellis, Parr, Low, Narraway, Ojo.

Sin Bin: Court (46).

Attendance: 4,350

Referee: Andrew Small (RFU).