Vaiga Tuigamala and Gary Armstrong scored two tries but the crucial difference between the sides was the penalty count.

Cunningham converted three out of four penalties in a dreary first half.

By contrast Newcastle's kicker Jonny Wilkinson lined up goal-kicks only for the conversion of tries by Inga Tuigamala and Gary Armstrong.

Gary Armstrong went over late on

Cunningham landed penalties in the 25th and 37th minutes from 44 and 35 yards for a 6-0 interval lead in a half that contained few positive moments.

There were 25 lineouts and Newcastle were set only on defending as they faced a sharp breeze.

Wind was an influence

After the interval the policy seemed a winner as Newcastle attacked instantly and scored in the 43rd minute with a try worth waiting for.

Passing between the back five of the pack on the open side of a scrum set up Tuigamala to crash over and put Newcastle ahead.

But Cunningham was on the mark with a close range penalty on the hour for Irish to go ahead.

The clincher came with 11 minutes left when flanker Kieron Dawson made a long break.

Scrum half Steve Bachop flicked a pass to wing Justin Bishop, whose speed saw him home from 45 yards.

Cunningham converted, giving Irish a crucial nine-point advantage and Newcastle's late converted try from Armstrong was too little too late.