Tigers and Bath open with victories

Niki Goneva's hat-trick helped Leicester to a comfortable 36-17 win over Newcastle Falcons at Welford Road.



Last season's Aviva Premiership beaten semi-finalists fielded a host of their new signings and Freddie Burns impressed at fly-half as he finished the match with 16 points.

Goneva, who was top try-scorer in the 2013-14 Premiership, was a constant threat throughout and his trio of tries was aided by David Mele's 65th minute effort as the Tigers secured the bonus point triumph.



For the Falcons, they battled valiantly with Richard Mayhew and Andy Saull scoring, alongside seven poi…