Leicester Tigers kick-start Aviva Premiership campaign with 31-38 victory over Gloucester

Gloucester Rugby 31 - 38 Leicester Tigers, Kingsholm
Scorecard

Sam Harrison contributed with 14 points as Leicester Tigers started their 2016/17 season of the Aviva Premiership with a 31-38 victory over Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm on Sunday.

The victory for Leicester Tigers comes after Gloucester had a lead of 31-7 early in the second half following which the Welford Road based outfit made one of the most incredible comeback racking 31 points in the last 35 minutes.

Gloucester exerted a lot of pressure on the Tigers leading to their opening try in the game in the 11th minute when Matt Scott crossed the line with assistance from Billy Twelvetrees. Captain Greig Laidlaw successfully added the extras.

The Tigers responded with a try of their own when Freddie Burns sneaked one through JP Pietersen for the comeback man Manu Tuilagi to score a five-pointer. Just when the Tigers looked to gain momentum, Charlie Sharples's 21st minute try and another penalty by Laidlaw in the 26th minute took Gloucester to a lead of 17-7.

There was no respite whatsoever for the visitors as Scotland centre Scott scored his second try in the game and Gloucester ended the first half with a lead of 24-7.

The second half saw Leicester Tigers tightening their defence despite which Henry Purdy went on to score the fourth try for Gloucester in the 43rd minute to give his team a 31-7 lead.

Leicester Tigers needed inspiration from someone to claw their way back into the game and that's what Springboks star Pietersen provided on his debut scoring his first try in the 46th minute.

However, the performance of the day for the Tigers came from Harrison, who touched the line twice - 55th minute and one at the closing stage along with another try Brendon O'Connor to ensure Leicester won the game by 31-38.