Newcastle Red Bulls go for two-for-two in Challenge Cup

Murray McCallum’s late try helped Newcastle earn a 14-10 win over the Lions in the Challenge Cup.

A thrilling start to the contest saw Angelo Davids cross for Lions three minutes in and Sam Francis added the extras before Alex Hearle grounded between the posts for Newcastle, with Boeta Chamberlain converting to tie the score.

Francis sent the visitors back in front with a penalty and Newcastle were handed a blow when Christian Wade was forced off in the 30th minute of his club debut after being caught by the arm of Davids, who was sent to the sin bin.

Red Bulls’ hooker Ollie Fletcher was shown yellow card in the 38th minute as Lions edged to a 10-7 lead at the break and Newcastle had an opportunity to level in the 67th minute, but Chamberlain’s penalty flew wide.

The hosts were frustrated by some solid defensive efforts in the final minutes and after having a try ruled out, McCallum eventually went over in the 79th minute with Brett Connon converting.

Meanwhile, Ospreys ran in five tries as they made it two wins out of two in their European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 1 campaign with a 33-22 victory at US Montauban.

The hosts drew first blood courtesy of fly-half Thomas Fortunel’s early penalty, but the Welsh side roared back with tries from flanker Ross Moriarty, number eight Morgan Morse and winger Keelan Giles, the first two of which were converted by stand-off Jack Walsh.

However, the Frenchmen clawed their way back into it five minutes before the break when hooker Jeremie Maurouard touched down as his side went in at half-time trailing 19-8.

Montauban further reduced the deficit when full-back Segundo Tuculet went over 16 minutes into the second half with Fortunel adding the conversion.

However, Efan Daniel’s try four minutes later, which was converted by Walsh, wrapped up the bonus point and when fellow replacement Kieran Hardy crossed with nine minutes remaining and Walsh once again obliging, they had breathing space.

Second row Noa Kanika scored the hosts’ third try with the clock in the red and replacement Mael Castel’s successful kick brought an end to proceedings.