| Leicester: (26) 33 |
| Tries: Montoya, Wigglesworth, Potter, Reffell, Wiese Cons: Burns 4 |
| London Irish (14) 31 |
| Tries: Ratuniyarawa, Penalty, Rogerson, Hassell-Collins, Pearson Cons: Jackson 2 |
In a Premiership thriller of 10 trials, the Leicester Tigers prevailed over bottom side London Irish.
Julian Montoya’s, Richard Wigglesworth’s, Harry Potter and Tommy Reffell scores made Tigers 26-14 ahead at halftime. Api Ratuniyarawa scored a touchdown to keep Irish in touch.
Second-half Matt Rogerson and OIlie hassell-Collins try to restore parity.
Paddy Jackson’s inability to convert Tom Pearson’s attempt after Jasper Wiese edged Tigers forward proved decisive.
Champions Leicester moved up to fifth on the table thanks to their win, while Irish are now within two points of Bristol Bears’ nearest rivals.
This was the Tigers first Premiership game at home in 50 days. It was also the end of a long break that was caused by the financial collapses of Worcester and Wasps, and subsequent cancellation of fixtures against them.
There was one minute of applause before kick-off. in memory of former Scotland international Doddie Weir, She died Saturday at 52 – six years after she was diagnosed with motor neurone.
Montoya returned from Argentina’s international duty and made an immediate impact by barging in for the first attempt, which took place in the fourth minute.
Ratuniyarawa scored for the visitors after being stopped at the line for a few minutes, but Tigers quickly regained their lead through Wigglesworth.
Potter was set up by Matt Scott’s intercept and clever kick. Freddie Burns converted the third try to give him 1,500 Premiership career point.
Reffell was awarded the try-scoring bonus points for Tigers after he dived over just before the half-hour mark. Olly Cracknell was sinbinned for the tackle that brought down the maul which led to the penalty try.
Nemani Nadoslo, who made his 43rd appearance for Tigers and was leaving the field to a warm ovation. Then Irish pulled back through Rogerson-Collins for another try. Irish then raced away for an incredible score of 26-26 to make it 26-25 in the 51st minute.
Back-rower Wiese, who was brought on as a substitute, edged the hosts ahead once more. While the persistent visitors found another response through Pearson but they were left trailing by the inept Jackson, who failed to convert the try with just 20 minutes remaining.
Leicester Tigers: Watson; Ashton, Potter, Scott, Nadolo; Burns, Wigglesworth; Whitcombe, Montoya, Cole; Martin, Green, Liebenberg, Reffell, Cracknell.
Clare, Van Wyk and Heyes are available as replacements.
London Irish Parton; Loader, Joseph, Janse Van Rensburg, Hassell-Collins; Jackson, Powell; Fa’aso’o, Rogerson, Pearson; Ratuniyarawa, Munga, Chawatama, Creevy, Gigena.
Replacements: Willemse, Hoskins, Fischetti, Caulfield, Gonzalez, Cunningham-South, White, Morisi.
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe.