Not to be for the Tigers in today's game, but thank you to all who followed along here on Matchday LIVE or joined us at Loughborough for this Shield fixture. Happy New Year!
FALCONS WITH THE WIN
Full Time at Loughborough University and a penalty goal on the bell from Newcastle hands the visitors a 12 point, 22-34 win over Tigers in today's Prem Shield fixture.
FALCONS ADD THREE MORE
Josh Hodge adds three more on the bell for Falcons.
79
NEWCASTLE AWARDED A PEN
With only sixty seconds on the clock, Newcastle are awarded a penalty just 40m out and point to the posts for the three points and a chance to wind down the time.
78
FALCONS SCRUM. 40M OUT.
The visitors now have the scrum feed, 40m out from the Leicester line with two minutes on the clock.
77
TIGERS NOW COUGHING UP POSSESSION
A wasted chance from Leicester as they're awarded a penalty at the ruck but can't find touch from the kick for the corner, which runs dead after an attempt to maximise distance.
76
FALCONS GIVE AWAY ATTACKING CHANCE
The visitors have a chance inside the Tigers half thanks to a penalty, which they kick in to touch, but Sam Lewis steals the line out and Tigers are back in possession.
75
VARNDELL WITH THE HOPS!
A cross field kick from Joe Ford finds Tom Varndell, who makes an impressive leap on the left hand touch line inside the Tigers 22 to take it and then take off down the wing before passing inside for Sam Aspland-Robinson.
CONVERSION - TIGERS
Joe Ford with a brilliant conversion attempt from out wide which adds two more to the Tigers tally and closes the deficit to just nine points, 22-31 in the 74th minute.
TRY - TIGERS
Tigers MAUL their way over from a 5m line out, on the back off of successive penalties and line outs close to the Newcastle line, and it's ....... who scores!! (We can't see, so don't know?)
72
PENALTY TO TIGERS
A second penalty to Tigers in as many minutes and Leicester opt for the line out again, 5m out.
71
TIGERS WIN BACK THE BALL
Leicester win back the ball from the re-start and are gifted a penalty at the ruck to follow, which Joe Ford finds touch from for a line out just 5m out from the Falcons line.
CONVERSION - NEWCASTLE
Josh Hodges makes no mistake with the conversion and adds two more to the Falcons tally, taking their lead to 16 points (15-31) in the 70th minute.
TRY - NEWCASTLE
The visitors are over for another after a penalty hands them much needed territory and a line out just metres out, which they maul their way over the line from and score through Tom Maeshall.
68
TIGERS PENALISED AT THE RUCK
Leicester are penalised at the ruck for not rolling away and Newcastle kick for the corner.
67
RUCK BY RUCK, FALCONS MARCH ON
The visitors working their way up the field once again, patiently through phase play off the ruck.
CONVERSION - NEWCASTLE
Josh Hodge converts from in front of the posts and extends the Falcons lead to nine points, 15-24 at Loughborough University in the 66th minute.
TRY - NEWCASTLE
The visitors are over through Morgan Passman, after a well executed set play from the scrum inside the Tigers half and it's the right winger with a brilliant, individual finish who scores it.
65
TIGERS BRING IT WIDE
Another chance for Varndell down the left hand touchline is called back by the referee, who rules the last pass forward and - with advantage over from Newcastle's knock on - it will be a Falcons scrum 40m out from Leicester's line.
64
SARTO WITH THE SHOT!
A HUGE TACKLE from the Italy international, Leonardo Sarto, forces an error from Newcastle and Tigers re-gain possession in their own half.
63
FALCONS SEND IT DEEP
Newcastle send the 22 drop kick deep in to the Tigers half, which Joe Ford returns in kind with a long clearance kick.
62
PENALTY WAVED AWAY
The penalty goal attempt is wide and it will be a drop out for Newcastle from their 22.
61
LEICESTER PIGGY BACKED UP FIELD
A strong display of phases up field from Tigers, including a re-gather up and under from Jonny Law, ends with a penalty against Newcastle for the tackler not releasing and Joe Ford will shoot for three points from 36m out.
60
STRONG SCRUM FROM LEICESTER
A dominant scrum from Leicester sees them win the penalty on their own try line and Joe Ford finds touch, 10m inside the Leicester side of half way for a line out.
59
FALCONS COUGH UP CHANCE AGAIN
Another chance down the wing, albeit this time on the left hand side, and the visitors last pass for an unmarked man is coughed up. Tigers now with the scrum feed, 5m out from their line.
58
NEWCASTLE LINE OUT INSIDE TIGERS 22
The visitors with an attack chance deep inside the Leicester 22 after Tigers win the scrum on their 5m, but find touch only for Newcastle to regain possession.
57
BREAK IN PLAY
Both sides have players attended to by medical staff as water comes on to the pitch, which the players seem to be happy about.
56
NEWCASTLE ON THE ATTACK AGAIN
The visitors work their way back in to the Tigers half following the re-start and have a chance out wide, on the right hand touchline, but the last pass finds the turf and not the man. Leicester scrum, deep inside their own 22.
CONVERSION - NEWCASTLE
Will Hodge adds the conversion from the sideline and the Falcons take back the lead by two points, 15-17 at Loughborough University in the 55th minute.
TRY - FALCONS
On the back of a line out deep inside the Tigers 22, Falcons move the ball side to side before finding space down the left wing trough Will Montgomery, who runs it in and scores in the corner.
53
FAlCONS FIND TERRITORY
A penalty against Tigers in attack, inside the Newcastle half, hands the visitors a chance to find touch and territory which they do on the Leicester 22 for a line out.
50
REFFELL STEALS ... AGAIN!
The Welsh U20s back-rower forces another penalty against Newcastle in attack with a brilliant steal 10m inside Leicester's side of half way.
49
CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL
Joe Ford's conversion attempt fades to the left and the score remains 15-10 to the Tigers over Newcastle after almost 50 minutes.
TRY - TIGERS
Tom Varndell is over!! The returning speedster is gifted a free run in to the line after a break from Tim Bitirim in the midfield sees the replacement in space to find the flying Varndell down the left wing.
46
REFFELL WITH THE STEAL!
Tommy Reffell chases a brilliantly weighted Joe Ford kick, which Newcastle take 10m inside their own side of half way but the Tigers back-rower is almost immediately on and forces the penalty against the run of play.
45
TIGERS WORKING THEIR WAY OUT
Leicester are working their way out of their own 22 here at Loughborough, ruck by ruck in a patient and strong display.
PENALTY - TIGERS
Joe Ford adds three more to the Tigers score and we're all tied up at 10-all in the 45th minute.
43
CHANCE FOR TIGERS IN FRONT OF THE POSTS
Newcastle are penalised for not rolling away at the ruck and it's Joe Ford who will step up for a chance at three more on the Tigers tally.
42
POSSESSION CHANGES HANDS
The ball finds its way from Tigers to Falcons and back to Tigers again after errors from both teams see possession change inside Newcastle's 22.
41
PENALTY TO TIGERS
A chance to gain much needed territory for Tigers is gifted by the referee after penalty against Newcastle at the breakdown, which Joe Ford finds touch from inside the visitors 22.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY!
We're back for the second half here at Loughborough University in today's Prem Shield showdown with Newcastle, who lead the Tigers side by three points (7-10).
FIRST HALF ACTION
HALF TIME AT L'BOROUGH
The referee blows the half time whistle at Loughborough University and it's the visitors, Newcastle, who lead at the break by three points (7-10).
39
NEWCASTLE SEND IT BACK
After winning the line out inside their own half, the visitors move the ball forward before attempting to go wide but the defence holds so they op to clear long and in to touch. Tigers win line out and clear their themselves in to touch.
38
FALCONS AWARDED PENALTY
The scrum goes down and it's a Newcastle penalty, which they use to find much needed territory with a kick for the line ... but it doesn't find touch and instead finds Freddie Steward at the back, who returns in touch with a deep, strong kick.
37
TIGERS COUGH IT UP INSIDE NEWCASTLE HALF
Leicester cough up possession inside the Newcastle half after a well structured set of phases comes undone with a mistake. Newcastle are awarded the scrum near their own 22.
THACKER LIMPS OFF
Charlie Thacker, who only recently returned to action after an ankle operation in the early weeks of the pre-season schedule, is helped from the pitch by medical staff with what appears to be an ankle or foot problem. Freddie Steward replaces him.
CONVERSION - TIGERS
Joe Ford adds the conversion and closes the Newcastle lead to three points, 7-10 at Loughborough University.
TRY - TIGERS
Leicester hit back almost immediately after re-gaining possession inside the Newcastle 22, followed by a penalty which is kicked for touch and then mauled over from 10m out and touched down by Ross McMillan at the back.
CONVERSION - NEWCASTLE
Josh Hodge adds the conversion and the Falcons lead is out to ten points (0-10) at Loughborough University.
TRY - NEWCASTLE
The visitors find their way through the Tigers defensive line, inside the Leicester 22, and it's Ryan Burrows who is on the end of the good pass from inside to race away and score.
25
HARDWICK BEING TREATED
No update on Tom Hardwick as yet, who is being treated pitch-side in an ambulance by paramedics.
23
VARNDELL BUSY IN RETURN
Tom Varndell has been busy from the left wing, finding himself in the middle of the action wherever possible in his return for the club after almost 10 seasons.
22
TIGERS YOUTH ON SHOW
Fantastic to see several members of last season's U18 League winning squad in action today, as well as current members of the Academy Jonny Law and Freddie Steward (bench).
21
END TO END ACTION
Both teams again showing a willingness to play with ball in hand today.
20
HALF CHANCE FOR FALCONS
The visitors with a half chance inside the Tigers 22 as Joel Matavesi grubbers in behind the Leicester defensive line, but the chasing Connor Collett can't catch it before it finds touch. Leicester line out, 5m out.
19
LAW SENDS IT DEEP
In a bid to relieve the pressure and gain some territory, Jonny Law box kicks it deep and in to the Newcastle side of half way.
18
TRIPLE TURNOVER!
In as many minutes, we've seen three turnovers as the back-rowers show their worth out there today! Tigers now on the march deep inside their own half.
17
NEWCASTLE TURN IT BACK OVER
The Falcons now have possession again after turning it over, stealing back possession from Leicester.
16
TURNOVER FOR TIGERS
Leicester turnover the ball 5m inside the Newcastle side of half way and are on the attack.
15
FALCONS CLEAR THE LINE
The visitors clear from inside their own 22 following the line out and a game of aerial ping pong follows, between the boots of Joe Ford and Josh Hodge.
14
FORD FINDS TOUCH
After winning back possession in the midfield, Leicester move the ball up the pitch slowly before taking pressure off with a touch finding grubber kick from Joe Ford and Newcastle will feed a line out on their own 22.
13
BACK TO BACK PENALTIES FOR NEWCASTLE
The visitors setting back to back scrums just metres out but, the free kick is awarded the way of Tigers for an early engagement from Newcastle and Leicester clear the decks.
12
LEONARDO SARTO BACK
Leonardo Sarto is back in the game as the Italy international returns from the sin bin, running past Sam Aspland-Robinson on the way off for his 10 minute break.
YELLOW CARD: SAM ASPLAND-ROBINSON
Sam Aspland-Robinson is now sent to the sin bin for an intentional knock on as he prevents a try for Newcastle just metres out from the Tigers line, on the end of a set of attacking phases for the visitors inside the Leicester 22.
PENALTY GOAL - FALCONS
Newcastle have their first points of the afternoon, through fullback Josh Hodge, as they successfully make it 0-3 with a penalty goal.
10
FALCONS CHANCE FOR POINTS
The visitors move the ball side to side inside the Tigers half and the pressure pays off as they're gifted a penalty in front of the posts.
9
NEWCASTLE MAKING TERRITORY GAIN
The visitors making gains in territory from a line out inside their own 22 as they clear up field from the boot, which forces a retreating Varndell to kick in to touch just 30m out from the Tigers line.
8
TIGERS ON THE MARCH
Leicester now on the march in the midfield after play re-started with a scrum on half way, before moving it wide to the left where Tom Varndell makes a break! He's taken down and in to touch on Newcastle's 22.
HARDWICK STRETCHERED FROM THE FIELD
Tom Hardwick is leaving the field on a stretcher after a nasty head knock. He has been replaced by Tim Bitirim.
6
GAME CLOCK IS STOPPED
Tigers move the ball up field after being gifted metres through a penalty against Falcons in attack, but the play is stopped after a turnover from Leicester just inside the visitors side of half way as Tom Hardwick is treated by the medical staff.
5
PRESSURE OFF!
The Tigers defensive effort pays off as Falcons are penalised in attack for an obstruction.
4
TIGERS DEFENDING WELL
The Leicester line holding strong so far, with an impressive showing in defence on the line as Falcons pile on the pressure.
3
PRESSURE ON LEICESTER'S LINE
The Tigers defending their line as the Falcons build pressure and gain metres, ruck by ruck and phase by phase after a peanlty inside the Leicester 22 gifts them the chance.
YELLOW CARD: LEONARDO SARTO
Not the ideal start to Leonardo Sarto's Leicester career as the Italy international is sent to the sin bin for deliberate knock on inside the Tigers 22 in just the second minute.
1
END TO END OPENING MINUTE
A quick-fire start from both sides here at Loughborough, with the majority of the pitch already covered and a willingness to play obviously in the plans.
KICK OFF AT L'BOROUGH!
We are underway at Loughborough Uni in today's Shield fixture!
0
HERE COME THE TEAMS!
The two sides have made their way out on to the pitch and we're just seconds away now from kick off.
0
TOP TURN OUT FROM TIGERS FAITHFUL
Great to see a strong, Tigers crowd here for today's match!
Are there better fans in the world? No, no there is not.
0
PERFECT CONDITIONS
It couldn't be better conditions for today's game, especially with a 4G pitch underfoot! Grey skies may be overhead (and a cool breeze in the air) but, given we're inside, we stand by our comment ... it couldn't be better conditions!
WELCOME HOME, TOM VARNDELL!
LATE CHANGE MADE BY LEICESTER
Boris Stankovich has been forced in to a change to his side for today's game, with Sam Grahamslaw coming in to the starting line-up in place of Owen Hills.
0
WELCOME TO LOUGHBOROUGH
Well, here we are in Loughborough on the final day of 2018 and just 10 minutes from kick-off in our Premiership Shield showdown with Newcastle.
22
34
Commentary
81
THANKS FOR JOINING US
Not to be for the Tigers in today's game, but thank you to all who followed along here on Matchday LIVE or joined us at Loughborough for this Shield fixture. Happy New Year!
FALCONS WITH THE WIN
Full Time at Loughborough University and a penalty goal on the bell from Newcastle hands the visitors a 12 point, 22-34 win over Tigers in today's Prem Shield fixture.
FALCONS ADD THREE MORE
Josh Hodge adds three more on the bell for Falcons.
79
NEWCASTLE AWARDED A PEN
With only sixty seconds on the clock, Newcastle are awarded a penalty just 40m out and point to the posts for the three points and a chance to wind down the time.
78
FALCONS SCRUM. 40M OUT.
The visitors now have the scrum feed, 40m out from the Leicester line with two minutes on the clock.
77
TIGERS NOW COUGHING UP POSSESSION
A wasted chance from Leicester as they're awarded a penalty at the ruck but can't find touch from the kick for the corner, which runs dead after an attempt to maximise distance.
76
FALCONS GIVE AWAY ATTACKING CHANCE
The visitors have a chance inside the Tigers half thanks to a penalty, which they kick in to touch, but Sam Lewis steals the line out and Tigers are back in possession.
75
VARNDELL WITH THE HOPS!
A cross field kick from Joe Ford finds Tom Varndell, who makes an impressive leap on the left hand touch line inside the Tigers 22 to take it and then take off down the wing before passing inside for Sam Aspland-Robinson.
CONVERSION - TIGERS
Joe Ford with a brilliant conversion attempt from out wide which adds two more to the Tigers tally and closes the deficit to just nine points, 22-31 in the 74th minute.
TRY - TIGERS
Tigers MAUL their way over from a 5m line out, on the back off of successive penalties and line outs close to the Newcastle line, and it's ....... who scores!! (We can't see, so don't know?)
72
PENALTY TO TIGERS
A second penalty to Tigers in as many minutes and Leicester opt for the line out again, 5m out.
71
TIGERS WIN BACK THE BALL
Leicester win back the ball from the re-start and are gifted a penalty at the ruck to follow, which Joe Ford finds touch from for a line out just 5m out from the Falcons line.
CONVERSION - NEWCASTLE
Josh Hodges makes no mistake with the conversion and adds two more to the Falcons tally, taking their lead to 16 points (15-31) in the 70th minute.
TRY - NEWCASTLE
The visitors are over for another after a penalty hands them much needed territory and a line out just metres out, which they maul their way over the line from and score through Tom Maeshall.
68
TIGERS PENALISED AT THE RUCK
Leicester are penalised at the ruck for not rolling away and Newcastle kick for the corner.
67
RUCK BY RUCK, FALCONS MARCH ON
The visitors working their way up the field once again, patiently through phase play off the ruck.
CONVERSION - NEWCASTLE
Josh Hodge converts from in front of the posts and extends the Falcons lead to nine points, 15-24 at Loughborough University in the 66th minute.
TRY - NEWCASTLE
The visitors are over through Morgan Passman, after a well executed set play from the scrum inside the Tigers half and it's the right winger with a brilliant, individual finish who scores it.
65
TIGERS BRING IT WIDE
Another chance for Varndell down the left hand touchline is called back by the referee, who rules the last pass forward and - with advantage over from Newcastle's knock on - it will be a Falcons scrum 40m out from Leicester's line.
64
SARTO WITH THE SHOT!
A HUGE TACKLE from the Italy international, Leonardo Sarto, forces an error from Newcastle and Tigers re-gain possession in their own half.
63
FALCONS SEND IT DEEP
Newcastle send the 22 drop kick deep in to the Tigers half, which Joe Ford returns in kind with a long clearance kick.
62
PENALTY WAVED AWAY
The penalty goal attempt is wide and it will be a drop out for Newcastle from their 22.
61
LEICESTER PIGGY BACKED UP FIELD
A strong display of phases up field from Tigers, including a re-gather up and under from Jonny Law, ends with a penalty against Newcastle for the tackler not releasing and Joe Ford will shoot for three points from 36m out.
60
STRONG SCRUM FROM LEICESTER
A dominant scrum from Leicester sees them win the penalty on their own try line and Joe Ford finds touch, 10m inside the Leicester side of half way for a line out.
59
FALCONS COUGH UP CHANCE AGAIN
Another chance down the wing, albeit this time on the left hand side, and the visitors last pass for an unmarked man is coughed up. Tigers now with the scrum feed, 5m out from their line.
58
NEWCASTLE LINE OUT INSIDE TIGERS 22
The visitors with an attack chance deep inside the Leicester 22 after Tigers win the scrum on their 5m, but find touch only for Newcastle to regain possession.
57
BREAK IN PLAY
Both sides have players attended to by medical staff as water comes on to the pitch, which the players seem to be happy about.
56
NEWCASTLE ON THE ATTACK AGAIN
The visitors work their way back in to the Tigers half following the re-start and have a chance out wide, on the right hand touchline, but the last pass finds the turf and not the man. Leicester scrum, deep inside their own 22.
CONVERSION - NEWCASTLE
Will Hodge adds the conversion from the sideline and the Falcons take back the lead by two points, 15-17 at Loughborough University in the 55th minute.
TRY - FALCONS
On the back of a line out deep inside the Tigers 22, Falcons move the ball side to side before finding space down the left wing trough Will Montgomery, who runs it in and scores in the corner.
53
FAlCONS FIND TERRITORY
A penalty against Tigers in attack, inside the Newcastle half, hands the visitors a chance to find touch and territory which they do on the Leicester 22 for a line out.
50
REFFELL STEALS ... AGAIN!
The Welsh U20s back-rower forces another penalty against Newcastle in attack with a brilliant steal 10m inside Leicester's side of half way.
49
CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL
Joe Ford's conversion attempt fades to the left and the score remains 15-10 to the Tigers over Newcastle after almost 50 minutes.
TRY - TIGERS
Tom Varndell is over!! The returning speedster is gifted a free run in to the line after a break from Tim Bitirim in the midfield sees the replacement in space to find the flying Varndell down the left wing.
46
REFFELL WITH THE STEAL!
Tommy Reffell chases a brilliantly weighted Joe Ford kick, which Newcastle take 10m inside their own side of half way but the Tigers back-rower is almost immediately on and forces the penalty against the run of play.
45
TIGERS WORKING THEIR WAY OUT
Leicester are working their way out of their own 22 here at Loughborough, ruck by ruck in a patient and strong display.
PENALTY - TIGERS
Joe Ford adds three more to the Tigers score and we're all tied up at 10-all in the 45th minute.
43
CHANCE FOR TIGERS IN FRONT OF THE POSTS
Newcastle are penalised for not rolling away at the ruck and it's Joe Ford who will step up for a chance at three more on the Tigers tally.
42
POSSESSION CHANGES HANDS
The ball finds its way from Tigers to Falcons and back to Tigers again after errors from both teams see possession change inside Newcastle's 22.
41
PENALTY TO TIGERS
A chance to gain much needed territory for Tigers is gifted by the referee after penalty against Newcastle at the breakdown, which Joe Ford finds touch from inside the visitors 22.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY!
We're back for the second half here at Loughborough University in today's Prem Shield showdown with Newcastle, who lead the Tigers side by three points (7-10).
FIRST HALF ACTION
HALF TIME AT L'BOROUGH
The referee blows the half time whistle at Loughborough University and it's the visitors, Newcastle, who lead at the break by three points (7-10).
39
NEWCASTLE SEND IT BACK
After winning the line out inside their own half, the visitors move the ball forward before attempting to go wide but the defence holds so they op to clear long and in to touch. Tigers win line out and clear their themselves in to touch.
38
FALCONS AWARDED PENALTY
The scrum goes down and it's a Newcastle penalty, which they use to find much needed territory with a kick for the line ... but it doesn't find touch and instead finds Freddie Steward at the back, who returns in touch with a deep, strong kick.
37
TIGERS COUGH IT UP INSIDE NEWCASTLE HALF
Leicester cough up possession inside the Newcastle half after a well structured set of phases comes undone with a mistake. Newcastle are awarded the scrum near their own 22.
THACKER LIMPS OFF
Charlie Thacker, who only recently returned to action after an ankle operation in the early weeks of the pre-season schedule, is helped from the pitch by medical staff with what appears to be an ankle or foot problem. Freddie Steward replaces him.
CONVERSION - TIGERS
Joe Ford adds the conversion and closes the Newcastle lead to three points, 7-10 at Loughborough University.
TRY - TIGERS
Leicester hit back almost immediately after re-gaining possession inside the Newcastle 22, followed by a penalty which is kicked for touch and then mauled over from 10m out and touched down by Ross McMillan at the back.
CONVERSION - NEWCASTLE
Josh Hodge adds the conversion and the Falcons lead is out to ten points (0-10) at Loughborough University.
TRY - NEWCASTLE
The visitors find their way through the Tigers defensive line, inside the Leicester 22, and it's Ryan Burrows who is on the end of the good pass from inside to race away and score.
25
HARDWICK BEING TREATED
No update on Tom Hardwick as yet, who is being treated pitch-side in an ambulance by paramedics.
23
VARNDELL BUSY IN RETURN
Tom Varndell has been busy from the left wing, finding himself in the middle of the action wherever possible in his return for the club after almost 10 seasons.
22
TIGERS YOUTH ON SHOW
Fantastic to see several members of last season's U18 League winning squad in action today, as well as current members of the Academy Jonny Law and Freddie Steward (bench).
21
END TO END ACTION
Both teams again showing a willingness to play with ball in hand today.
20
HALF CHANCE FOR FALCONS
The visitors with a half chance inside the Tigers 22 as Joel Matavesi grubbers in behind the Leicester defensive line, but the chasing Connor Collett can't catch it before it finds touch. Leicester line out, 5m out.
19
LAW SENDS IT DEEP
In a bid to relieve the pressure and gain some territory, Jonny Law box kicks it deep and in to the Newcastle side of half way.
18
TRIPLE TURNOVER!
In as many minutes, we've seen three turnovers as the back-rowers show their worth out there today! Tigers now on the march deep inside their own half.
17
NEWCASTLE TURN IT BACK OVER
The Falcons now have possession again after turning it over, stealing back possession from Leicester.
16
TURNOVER FOR TIGERS
Leicester turnover the ball 5m inside the Newcastle side of half way and are on the attack.
15
FALCONS CLEAR THE LINE
The visitors clear from inside their own 22 following the line out and a game of aerial ping pong follows, between the boots of Joe Ford and Josh Hodge.
14
FORD FINDS TOUCH
After winning back possession in the midfield, Leicester move the ball up the pitch slowly before taking pressure off with a touch finding grubber kick from Joe Ford and Newcastle will feed a line out on their own 22.
13
BACK TO BACK PENALTIES FOR NEWCASTLE
The visitors setting back to back scrums just metres out but, the free kick is awarded the way of Tigers for an early engagement from Newcastle and Leicester clear the decks.
12
LEONARDO SARTO BACK
Leonardo Sarto is back in the game as the Italy international returns from the sin bin, running past Sam Aspland-Robinson on the way off for his 10 minute break.
YELLOW CARD: SAM ASPLAND-ROBINSON
Sam Aspland-Robinson is now sent to the sin bin for an intentional knock on as he prevents a try for Newcastle just metres out from the Tigers line, on the end of a set of attacking phases for the visitors inside the Leicester 22.
PENALTY GOAL - FALCONS
Newcastle have their first points of the afternoon, through fullback Josh Hodge, as they successfully make it 0-3 with a penalty goal.
10
FALCONS CHANCE FOR POINTS
The visitors move the ball side to side inside the Tigers half and the pressure pays off as they're gifted a penalty in front of the posts.
9
NEWCASTLE MAKING TERRITORY GAIN
The visitors making gains in territory from a line out inside their own 22 as they clear up field from the boot, which forces a retreating Varndell to kick in to touch just 30m out from the Tigers line.
8
TIGERS ON THE MARCH
Leicester now on the march in the midfield after play re-started with a scrum on half way, before moving it wide to the left where Tom Varndell makes a break! He's taken down and in to touch on Newcastle's 22.
HARDWICK STRETCHERED FROM THE FIELD
Tom Hardwick is leaving the field on a stretcher after a nasty head knock. He has been replaced by Tim Bitirim.
6
GAME CLOCK IS STOPPED
Tigers move the ball up field after being gifted metres through a penalty against Falcons in attack, but the play is stopped after a turnover from Leicester just inside the visitors side of half way as Tom Hardwick is treated by the medical staff.
5
PRESSURE OFF!
The Tigers defensive effort pays off as Falcons are penalised in attack for an obstruction.
4
TIGERS DEFENDING WELL
The Leicester line holding strong so far, with an impressive showing in defence on the line as Falcons pile on the pressure.
3
PRESSURE ON LEICESTER'S LINE
The Tigers defending their line as the Falcons build pressure and gain metres, ruck by ruck and phase by phase after a peanlty inside the Leicester 22 gifts them the chance.
YELLOW CARD: LEONARDO SARTO
Not the ideal start to Leonardo Sarto's Leicester career as the Italy international is sent to the sin bin for deliberate knock on inside the Tigers 22 in just the second minute.
1
END TO END OPENING MINUTE
A quick-fire start from both sides here at Loughborough, with the majority of the pitch already covered and a willingness to play obviously in the plans.
KICK OFF AT L'BOROUGH!
We are underway at Loughborough Uni in today's Shield fixture!
0
HERE COME THE TEAMS!
The two sides have made their way out on to the pitch and we're just seconds away now from kick off.
0
TOP TURN OUT FROM TIGERS FAITHFUL
Great to see a strong, Tigers crowd here for today's match!
Are there better fans in the world? No, no there is not.
0
PERFECT CONDITIONS
It couldn't be better conditions for today's game, especially with a 4G pitch underfoot! Grey skies may be overhead (and a cool breeze in the air) but, given we're inside, we stand by our comment ... it couldn't be better conditions!
WELCOME HOME, TOM VARNDELL!
LATE CHANGE MADE BY LEICESTER
Boris Stankovich has been forced in to a change to his side for today's game, with Sam Grahamslaw coming in to the starting line-up in place of Owen Hills.
0
WELCOME TO LOUGHBOROUGH
Well, here we are in Loughborough on the final day of 2018 and just 10 minutes from kick-off in our Premiership Shield showdown with Newcastle.