Exeter and Leicester last met in March and with the score line only marginal, Exeter were looking to redeem themselves on home turf. With both sides having won two out of their three games it was all to play for down at Sandy Park. Exeter gained an invaluable win away from home last week at the Madejski Stadium but Leicester were looking to claw their way to victory.
Tom Youngs ensured Leicester got off to a solid start with an off-load to his brother who scored the first try of the match, 10 minutes into the game. With a conversion missed by Flood, he quickly came back to perform when it mattered and a penalty was converted 14 minutes in. Exeter’s defence was non-existent and with basic handling errors and the likes of Logovi'i Munipola exploding in the scrum, Exeter weren’t to be seen. With Chiefs looking to be vigilant and bring their solid game play to the forefront, the contest seemed to be lacking. It was the interception 38 minutes into the match by Vereniki Goneva that enabled Tigers to take a comfortable lead. Flood kicked the conversion taking the score to 0-15 at half time. Were Exeter going to give up without a fight?
Only three minutes into the second half and Exeter found fault in the Tigers, giving Exeter their first points of the match when Steenson converted the penalty taking the score to 3-15. Exeter came out fighting with the forwards play stronger and keeping the possession of the ball. The forwards pack looked to show more determination and drove the game play forward. Consistency by Steenson saw two penalties at the 50th and 57th minute converted, taking the score to 9-15. Had Leicester lost their intensity? Possibly, but with Exeter not binding in the scrum and a penalty being awarded, Flood converted at 61 minutes, taking the score to 9-18. By the 71st minute Baxter had emptied the bench and it was all still to play for. Was it just a little too late?
Exeter’s uncontested line outs and inability to challenge a solid and consistent Tigers pack, meant that once again they were at fault, conceding another penalty 73 minutes in, which Flood kicked to take the final score to 9-21.
Leicester earned their four points, climbing the table to take them to third place in the Premiership. Rob Baxter will be taking note on the poor play first half and the opportunity Exeter could’ve taken.
Tigers pulled out all the stops and having recalled their three lions Dan Cole, Tom Youngs and Geoff Parling for the trip to Sandy Park, it made all the difference, even with injury problems having cast a dark cloud over them. Who can beat the Premiership champions?
Leicester Tigers host Northampton Saints next weekend in the East Midlands Derby, this is always one to watch!