Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.
Rugby Union

News

Leicester champion again

Leicester champion again

05/29/2010 06:57:59 PM

Leicester was crowned Premiership champion for the third time in four seasons after denying Saracens title glory following an epic 33-27 Twickenham tussle.

The Tigers retained their league crown by keeping composure during a thrilling encounter when the lead changed hands seven times.

Centre Matt Smith, scrum-half Ben Youngs and substitute Danny Hipkiss scored tries for Leicester, with England international Hipkiss striking three minutes from time.

But it was first five-eighths Toby Flood's goalkicking that made the difference as he booted 18 points from four penalties and three conversions, while No.8 Jordan Crane delivered a monumental man-of-the-match display.

Saracens captain Ernst Joubert claimed a touchdown in each half, and there were 17 points for first five-eighths Glen Jackson on his final appearance before retirement, but the Hertfordshire club has still not won a major trophy since 1998.

And it will kick itself for missing several tackles on Hipkiss during a dramatic finale after Tigers wing Scott Hamilton snaffled possession from the restart after a Jackson penalty had edged Saracens 27-26 in front.

One wondered what its absent rugby director Brendan Venter - at home in St Albans babysitting his son Joshua - would have made of it all.

But Venter, serving a 10-week touchline suspension and one-match Twickenham ban following his controversial behaviour at Leicester three weeks ago, could not have prevented Leicester's second-half power play.

Its forwards took control at a key stage of the contest, rewarding Leicester's sixth successive Premiership final appearance with yet more silverware, despite Saracens taking them to the wire.

Saracens restored club captain Steve Borthwick to its line-up for the first time since March following his recovery from a knee injury, but his long-term deputy Joubert remained as skipper.

Leicester was unchanged from the team that accounted for semi-final opponents Bath, a side highlighted by England flanker Lewis Moody making his final appearance after 14 seasons at Tigers before joining Bath next season.

Rival kickers Jackson and Flood exchanged early penalties before a second Jackson strike edged Saracens ahead as Tigers found themselves on the back foot.

But when it stirred, Leicester stung Saracens through a superbly-worked try that had its origins through wing Alesana Tuilagi's trademark blockbusting midfield run.

His power rocked the Saracens defence, and quickly recycled possession ended with Smith weaving his way over behind the posts for a try that Flood converted.

Saracens needed a rapid response, and the first-time Premiership finalists did not disappoint, conjuring a classic score for Joubert after Jackson skipped through Leicester's midfield defence.

Leicester though, ended a breathless opening quarter by regaining the lead with a second Flood penalty, only for Jackson to cancel that kick out and put Saracens 14-13 in front.

The lead in a pulsating final had already changed hands four times, yet Leicester had no intention of playing second fiddle as Youngs restored their lead through a sniping break and try after excellent approach work.

Flood's conversion took the Tigers six points clear, which ended the scoring of a memorable opening period when both sides looked to attack at every opportunity.

Saracens had struggled in the lineouts - much of it due to Borthwick's chronic lack of games during the past two months - and he was replaced just five minutes into the second period.

Mouritz Botha took his place, but Botha's arrival coincided with Leicester looking to tighten their control up-front, and their dominant scrum resulted in a penalty

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images
Page12»

Latest Headlines

Thank Evans for Nick
05/26/2012 02:49:21 AM
 
Four week ban for Hayman
05/26/2012 02:46:54 AM
 
McKenzie optimistic against Brumbies
05/25/2012 09:58:37 PM
 
Wade handed England chance
05/25/2012 08:33:24 PM
 
Chiefs counter structured Bulls
05/25/2012 01:35:01 PM
 
 
 

Your Say

Galleries

Rugby World Cup Finals
25/10/2011 11:22:46 AM
Did you miss the action from the recent finals of the Rugby World Cup? Don’t worry, we will take you back and show you best action from the Quarter Finals through to the Final.
The Weekend Sporting Action
18/10/2011 2:21:08 PM
The sport never slows down around the world. Check out the latest action from the weekend.