When Michael Stephenson, an exciting young England international, blitzed his way to a try just 14 minutes into the game the concern on the faces of a 2,000- plus home support was visible. But, with new skipper Cammy Mather providing a stirring lead, the pack matching the visitors' eight and the backs showing a real zip in attack, the hosts responded quickly.

Moving the ball wide, at pace, Glasgow were dangerous and their reward came after 23 minutes when a series of forward charges resulted in Calvin Howarth nipping through Newcastle's defensive line to score.

Despite pre-season rust, the hosts coped better with personnel changes and their ball retention improved, another slick attack ending with Alan Bulloch bursting through to touch down Calvin Howarth converted and then slotted a penalty to establish a 15- 5 half- time lead.

Newcastle opened the second half with Phil Godman, the Scotland under- 21 fly- half, on at 10, and he soon sparked the move which saw wing Alex Cadwallader break into the home 22 and off- loading to give Ben Gollings an easy run- in for a try, which he converted to cut the deficit to three points.

Jon Steel, a lively second half substitute, sealed the game with a well- taken try eight minutes from time. Howarth converted from the right touchline to enhance the positive feeling around Hughenden, which even a second converted try from Gollings could not erode.

Report by David Ferguson from The Scotsman.