Quins halt slide against Falcons
Harlequins found some relief after a summer of scandal as they ended their losing run with a 17-17 draw against Newcastle at Kingston Park.
The fallout from the 'Bloodgate' affair had followed the Quins back on to the pitch this season with four successive defeats but a strong second-half comeback offered some respite for last year's play-off semi-finalists.
For Newcastle it was a third draw in four matches and both teams remain winless this season.
An early Nick Evans penalty gave Quins an early advantage but the hosts soon took control
Stand-in Newcastle captain Jimmy Gopperth pounced on a loose ball in midfield to release Charlie Amesbury, and when the jinking winger was haulted the Falcons got the quick ball they needed for scrum-half Micky Young created space for Tane Tu'ipulotu to crash over before Gopperth slotted the extras.
The Falcons extended their points advantage mid-way through the first half when the diminutive Young again squirmed his way to within striking distance, before second row Tim Swinson barged and Gopperth converted for a 14-3 lead.
Evans reduced the deficit with an early second-half penalty and a try from Ugo Monye brought Quins to within three points.
The England international burst into the line from full-back and his arcing run took him into the corner unopposed.
A long-range penalty from Gopperth protected Newcastle's advantage but Evans hit back again with the boot.
The late sin-binning of Rob Vickers for constant infringing, gave Quins hope and Evans levelled the scoreboard, before his ate drop goal attempt sailed wide.