English Premiership: London Irish regained top spot in the English Premiership after a ruthless 48-8 win compounded Newcastle's relegation fears. The Exiles climbed above Bath, who visit Leicester tomorrow, by destroying a Falcons outfit devoid of creativity, composure or confidence.
Irish had a try-scoring bonus point in the bag after just 30 minutes as wing Topsy Ojo, flankers Steffon Armitage and Declan Danaher and full-back Peter Hewat all breached Newcastle's defence.
With fly-half Shane Geraghty and number eight Chris Hala'Ufia running riot, the Falcons found themselves on a prolonged damage-limitation exercise.
They ultimately suffered the heaviest defeat by any club in the Premiership this season, remaining just one position above bottom side Bristol, a team they visit next month.
Prop Alex Corbisiero scored Irish's fifth try early in the second period, while Hewat kicked four conversions and a penalty before going off among a number of substitutions.
England World Cup winner Mike Catt, now a key member of the Irish coaching staff, also touched down, showing he can still handle Premiership business despite celebrating his 37th birthday almost four months ago.
Centre Seilala Mapusua made it a magnificent seven tries for Irish approaching full-time — Geraghty converted — and all Newcastle could manage was a breakaway consolation score for wing Tim Visser.
