Thomas kicks Leeds to draw in bore of attrition

Leeds 9 Newcastle 9

(MATTHEW LEWIS/GETTY IMAGES)

Those wanting to have a flutter on what end of the Guinness Premiership these two sides will inhabit come the end of the season will have to wait a little longer before opening their wallets after this unadventurous afternoon gave very little away about either club's prospects.

While the eyes of the rugby world have been elsewhere during the pre-season, namely at the Stoop and the Rec, there have been equally intriguing tales unravelling at Headingley and Kingston Park. It is therefore a shame that none of that drama permeated the play yesterday.

The Falcons let an astonishing 25 players go over the summer, including Jonny Wilkinson and Jamie Noon, and they have not been too slack in the recruitment department either, bringing a further 18 players on board.

Quality has no doubt been added to quantity with the likes of South African Gcobani Bobo and former Junior All Black Jimmy Gopperth among the additions while promoted Leeds have also brought in eight new faces in a bid to halt their seemingly perennial yo-yoing between divisions.

As a result, it is a wonder the players even recognised each other never mind knew how to link up and that point was proven by an encounter virtually devoid of flair or imagination.

"We looked like a side that needs to bed down," Steve Bates, the Falcons' director of rugby said. "We had some opportunities but it wasn't quite clicking. This side has not played together before so we have to be patient but I saw enough out there to be confident."

Gopperth's early showing was not too impressive and stepping into the Newcastle No 10 shirt is the most poisoned of chalices – did someone mention that man Wilkinson again? – as his three first-half penalty misses prevented Newcastle from gaining a healthy lead, although he did slot one three-pointer, as did Ceiron Thomas for the home side. Gopperth's misfortune continued in the second half as he missed his fourth attempt out of five, prompting Newcastle to kick for the corner and hedge their bets on a try rather than risk a 30-metre attempt.

Following a disallowed try for a forward pass, Gopperth then landed a fine penalty from the touchline to calm his own nerves. Thomas retaliated with a second soon after before Gopperth hit a third which seemed likely to settle it.

However, Thomas refused to be outdone and kicked one more – via the post and the crossbar – to level proceedings at 9-9 before the end mercifully arrived. Andy Key, Leeds' director of rugby, said: "I am more convinced now that we will stay up. We have come away with two points and can go into Friday's game feeling good. We are a side that can compete and we looked more ambitious on the day."

Leeds: Pens: Thomas 3; Newcastle: Pens: Gopperth 3.

Leeds: J Goodridge; R Welding, J Hepworth, S Barrow (H Paul, 73), L Blackett (S Armstrong, 60); C Thomas, A Gomarsall (Mathie, 60); G Hardy, V Ma'asi (R Rawlinson, 48), T McGee (P Swainston, 53), P Murphy, M Wentzel, K Myall (A To'oala 53), H Fourie, R Oakley (D Paul 68).

Newcastle: A Tait; D Williams (C Amesbury, 58), R Vickerman, G Bobo, T Biggs; J Gopperth, M Young; J Golding (M Ward, 77), R Vickers (M Thompson, 67), C Hayman, T Swinson, J Hudson, A Balding (M Sorenson, 52), B Wilson, P Browne.

Referee: JP Doyle (RFU).