Leicester Tigers earned a huge boost in their battle against Premiership relegation with a 27-22 win against rock-bottom Newcastle Falcons.

The Tigers were just five points clear of Newcastle before Friday's contest at Kingston Park, but earned a huge victory against their fellow strugglers.

Guy Thompson, who impressed for Leicester, provided a fine offload for Jonny May to score the first try and eight points from the boot of George Ford put Leicester into a 13-0 lead.

However, Chris Harris and Tane Takulua scored in quick succession to bring the Falcons back within one point.

Yet Thompson scored twice to sandwich Takulua's second for the Falcons as the Tigers, who are now ninth and eight points above Newcastle, held firm under late pressure.