Falcons centre Tane Tu’ipulotu scored the only try of the half, making the most of an overlap on the right wing to score next to the corner flag.
Tom May was off target with the conversion but the Newcastle fly-half added two penalties and a drop goal from 45m to complete the first-half scoring.
Tigers had welcomed Martin Corry back from suspension to captain the side. England internationals Tom Croft, Harry Ellis and Toby Flood were named in the starting line-up alongside Martin Castrogiovanni and winner Geordan Murphy on their return from the Six Nations.
Ayoola Erinle started his first Guinness Premiership game of the season in place of Dan Hipkiss, who picked up a knock in the win over Saracens.
An injury to former Tigers forward Adam Balding forced a reshuffled of the Newcastle back five. Mark Sorenson came into the second row, Tim Swinson moved to blindside flanker and captain Phil Dowson switched to No8. Matt Thompson replaced Rob Vickers at hooker. In the backs Hall Charlton started at scrum-half while John Rudd returned from suspension on the left wing.
