Tigers Charge To First Win

Reigning Premiership Champions Leicester began their title defence with a spirited 32-15 win over Worcester.

Worcester are without a win at Welford Road in their last 11 visits; having not won away from home in the Premiership since New Year’s Day 2012 against Wasps.

The Tigers, in front of a packed out home crowd at Welford Road, made a positive start to the season opener, taking advantage of early Worcester indiscipline, as Ryan Lamb kicked the first points of the season.

Within the game’s first quarter, the Tigers raced over the Worcester try line for the first touchdown.

Winger, Adam Thompstone, managed to cling onto a deft grubber kick from fullback Niall Morris, as he crossed over the whitewash for an impressive first score.

After missing a difficult conversion kick out wide, Lamb added three more points through a long range penalty attempt, which was immediately matched by Worcester fly half Ignacio Mieres.

On the stroke of half time Leicester regained control as Jordan Crane powered through the Worcester line before finding David Mele with a smart pass, to see him touch down between the posts. Lamb added the extras and gave the home side a 15 point lead at the half.

Things moved from bad to worse for Worcester after the half when second row, Mike Williams, was sin-binned for a block on Lamb. Leicester quickly took advantage and made their greater number count.

After some strong forward play, Jordan Crane was once again involved as he eventually barged his way over the Worcester line, with lamb again on hand to add the extras.

Ten minutes later, with Williams’s return and numbers even, the visitors began a spirited fight back. A try for replacement lock Chris Jones, with the extras added by Mieres, left the visitors still 15 points adrift at the hour mark.

Worcester scored a second through josh Matavesi on 66 minutes, forcing his way over the line to cut the deficit to 10 points, with little over 10 minutes left on the clock.

The final few minutes were interesting, but a very solid Leicester defence managed to hold out any other threats from the visitors.

The day was finally capped off with a tremendous solo effort in the final minute from Niki Goneva, for the Tigers’ fourth try. Replacement Owen Williams added the extras to leave a final score line of 32-15.

Leicester backs Coach Paul Burke, somewhat controversially, when speaking to the BBC, added: "When you play at home to Worcester - and no disrespect to them - everyone expects you to get a bonus point

"Is it a point lost if you don't get a bonus point? Worcester made it difficult for us. They are a good side, they are coached well and they will cause teams a lot of problems this season.

"I am very happy with the bonus point but I am disappointed with our performance at times in the second half.

"But it's our first hit-out and we will look at it and put it right for the trip to Bath."

Worcester should not be disheartened; an impressive second half fight back showed that they will be a competitive outfit this year; difficult for a lot of teams to beat.

In the Premiership’s second round next weekend, Leicester travel away to Bath, whilst Worcester hosts London Irish at Sixways Stadium.

Line-Ups:

Leicester: Morris; Goneva, Allen, Bowden, Thompstone; Lamb, Mele; Mulipola, T Youngs, Cole, Deacon (capt), Parling, Croft, Salvi, Crane.

Replacements: Slater for Deacon (61), Waldrom for Crane (64), Williams for Lamb (76), Briggs for T Youngs (76).
Not Used: Stankovich, Balmain, Steele, Dunn.

Worcester: Pennell; Drauniniu, Fatiaki, Matavesi, Lemi; Mieres, Su'a; Becasseau, Shervington, Andress, Williams, Schofield, Thomas (capt), Betty, Taulava.

Sin Bin: Williams (44).

Replacements: Abbott for Betty (46). Jones for Schofield (54), Hodgson for Sua (58), Clarke for Matavesi (69), Andrew for Becasseau (69), O'Donnell for Andress (69).
Not Used: Seymour, Gray.