Leicester Tigers beat Falcons 42-20, seal home semi-final
Handre Pollard was part of the winning Leicester side
©Steve Haag
Leicester Tigers 42-20 Newcastle Falcons, Mattioli Woods Welford Road
Leicester Tigers signed off their Gallagher Premiership regular season with a commanding 42–20 victory over Newcastle Falcons at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
The win not only secured a home semi-final but also served as an emotional farewell for club icons Dan Cole and Ben Youngs. Despite flashes of resistance from the Falcons, Leicester’s composure and depth saw them control the game from early on.
The Falcons got off the mark first in the 5th minute through Brett Connon, who slotted a penalty after Tigers were penalised at the breakdown. Another Connon penalty in the 10th minute gave the visitors a 6–0 lead, raising hopes of a competitive outing.
Leicester soon turned the tide. In the 14th minute, Tommy Reffell powered over after a sustained period of pressure near the Falcons’ try line. Handré Pollard added the extras to make it 7–6.
Just six minutes later, in the 20th minute, Ollie Hassell-Collins broke through the defence on the left wing to touch down. With Pollard converting again, Leicester moved to a 14–6 lead.
The remainder of the first half saw Newcastle lose momentum following injuries to Cameron Neild and Elliott Obatoyinbo, and the hosts took full control as the teams headed into the break.
The Tigers began the second half with relentless intent. In the 43rd minute, Freddie Steward finished off a sweeping move started deep inside Leicester’s own half. Pollard’s third successful conversion pushed the scoreline to 21–6.
Just seven minutes later, in the 50th minute, Emeka Ilione charged over after another dominant phase of play. Newcastle responded in the 56th minute, with Jamie Blamire diving over from close range after a well-set maul. Connon added the extras to cut the gap to 28–13.
However, the Tigers showed no signs of slowing down. In the 61st minute, Hanro Liebenberg capped off a brilliant support run to score Leicester’s fifth try.
Then in the 70th minute, Mike Brown added the sixth, finishing a move that saw the ball travel through five pairs of hands. Pollard’s conversions throughout were on target, guiding Leicester to 42 points.
Newcastle managed a final flourish in the 76th minute, when Iwan Stephens crossed in the corner following a loose ball, with Connon converting to end the match at 42–20.
The game had extra meaning for Leicester fans, marking the last home appearances for legends Dan Cole and Ben Youngs. Both players received standing ovations, and the entire squad gathered post-match to honour their immense contributions over the years.
