Leicester book semi-final berth after 27-20 win over Northampton

Leicester Tigers 27 - 20 Northampton Saints

Leicester Tigers successfully managed to overcome a second half resurgence from Northampton Saints as they sealed a place in the semi-final of Anglo-Welsh cup with a 27-20 triumph on Saturday.

Tigers now have 13 points from three games and top the Pool 4 while Northampton Saints are positioned second in Pool 1 behind Saracens.

Flanker Will Evans crossed over in the 19th minute and a conversion from fly-half Owen Williams helped Leicester Tigers to a seven-point lead which was reduced to five, three minutes later as centre Harry Mallinder responded with a try of his own.

Northampton Saints' progress were hampered by a sin-bin to Ken Pisi in the 26th minute following which Williams and his counterpart Sam Olver exchanged penalties.

Lock Dom Barrow gave Leicester Tigers the breathing space when he went past the line just before the half-time and Williams' conversion meant they had a lead of nine points.

Hooker Harry Thacker extended the home team's advantage in the second half after he strolled past the post in the 54th minute and with the fly-half accurate once again, they extended the lead to 16 points heading into the final half.

Even though a desperate effort from Northampton Saints through tries from Nafi Tuitavake and replacement Rory Hutchinson in the 67th and 79th minute respectively reduced the gap, they succumbed to a seven-point defeat.