Leeds Carnegie continued their winning run in pre season with a win over Newcastle Falcons at Headingley Carnegie.  Rob Rawlinson was named captain for the day in celebration of his testimonial game, whilst new signing Scott Mathie was given his debut and made a big impression when he came on as a replacement in the second half.
Five of the clubs new signings made their home debuts, including Jason Strange, who scored two first half penalties to give Leeds Carnegie a 6-0 lead at half time.
Andy Key and Neil Back selected 14 replacements and in the second half they made the majority of the changes to give each player some game time.
The first try of the game came on 52 minutes after an excellent break from Scott Mathie and after some neat passing Mike MacDonald was the grateful recipient of the ball and powered his way over for the try.  Di Bernardo missed the conversion leaving the score 11-0 to Leeds Carnegie.
Newcastle hit back though through their replacement John Rudd who found the space to run in down the right hand side and score the try.  The try was converted, which brought Newcastle right back into the game with the score at 11-7.
Newcastle then enjoyed a sustained period of pressure in the Leeds half and it was not long before they were able to capitalise on this and take the lead through a Brent Wilson try.  They then added a second try, with their fullback Steve Jones diving over.  Both tries were converted and, as had happened so many times previously against the Falcons, it looked like victory was slipping away from Leeds, with the score now 21-11 to the visitors.
Alberto Di Bernardo then missed a penalty, however a minute later Calum Clark helped mount the fightback when he sprinted over under the posts.  Di Bernardo converted the try bring the score to 21-18.
Leeds then showed great fighting spirit as they went in search of the winner and with moments left it was Mathie once again who helped set up the try making a great offload to Vili Ma'asi, who collected the ball to storm his way over.  Di Bernardo converted to put Leeds 25-21 in front and the homeside were able to hold on for a well earned victory.
Leeds Carnegie will conclude their pre season programme against another Guinness Premiership opposition, when they take on Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park on Friday 22nd August.
Leeds Carnegie: Hinton, Armstrong, Hepworth, Blackett, Wackett, Strange, Bedford, Pala'amo, Rawlinson, Bucknall, Murphy, Pendlebury, Boyde, Fourie, Paul.  Replacements: MacDonald, Ma'asi, McGee, Hopcroft, Mathie, Brooks, Di Bernardo, Clark, Denton, Greendale, Vickerman, White, Oakley, Nilsen.
Newcastle Falcons: Jones, May, Dillon, Davey, Visser, Clegg, Charlton, Golding, Thompson, Hayman, Perry, Parling, Balding, Williamson, Winter. Replacements: Williams, Ward, Vickers, Buist, Sorenson, Swinson, Wilson, Grindal, Rudd, Williams, Fenby
Attendance: 1026