Bristol better Tigers at 14 aside
By Mike Hill
September 29 2002
Bristol 25 Leicester 20. Bristol made the worst possible start to this game with Julian White red carded after less than five minutes of play. Instead of being a disadvantage, however, playing with 14 men seemed to galvanise the home team as they recorded their first win of the season.
By Mike Hill
September 29 2002
Bristol 25 Leicester 20. Bristol made the worst possible start to this game with Julian White red carded after less than five minutes of play. Instead of being a disadvantage, however, playing with 14 men seemed to galvanise the home team as they recorded their first win of the season.
Another away game another defeat - this season is becoming very predictable. Tigers were always chasing the game as basic errors let them down as they failed to establish any continuity of play. Once again they spurned kicks at goal to seek the game winning try and failed to come away with anything. Stimpson's kicking was not of the same quality as last weekend but that standard was impossible to maintain.
The Tigers ability to win away from home when not playing well was one of the major factors behind their last four successful Premiership campaigns. On the evidence so far this season that skill has deserted us this term. Leicester had the opportunity to win this game but didn't have the finishing to round off the numerous half breaks that could so easily have turned the game in our favour.
With White and Moody off the pitch it was Bristol who seemed more adept at the 14 man game and soon built up a 9-0 lead through the boot of Contepomi. Tigers are notoriously slow starters away from home and it wasn't until the half hour mark that Kafer finished off a decent spell of pressure to score close to the posts. Tim converted but Contepomi managed another penalty to give Bristol a 12-7 lead at half time.
The second period saw the Argentine number ten kick two more penalties and convert a superb individual try by Phil Christophers who jinked his way past three Tigers defenders to race clear for the crucial score. The Memorial Ground erupted and Tigers looked to be heading for another L on the road. Harry Ellis stirred them before the end with a smart break ( a la 2002 Euro Cup Semi ) that saw him sprint home untouched for a converted try (and my Man of the Match award).
Tim Stimpson slotted a late penalty to give us a point but it was scarce comfort as our final impotent phases of possession came to nought. Pichot had a fine game and hassled Tierney to distraction throughout, he was inspirational and along with the back row led the team to their first win of the season. Put simply Bristol's eight showed more determination than ours and that's not going to make for easy training in Leicester this week.
Tigers ball retention in the tackle was very poor this week we conceded far too many turnovers and really missed Neil Back's sublime skills in this area. Backy has been Tigers most influential player of the last decade and we only truly appreciate him when he's missing. He is the lynchpin that holds our side together and most of our best moves heavily involve him.
A Llanelli fan spoke to me after we lost down there last season and imparted to me some words of wisdom. He pointed out two things firstly that in his opinion Neil Back was definitely our best player and the one they would most like to have in their side. Secondly that he thought we would meet again in the final and that they would beat us. Well he was half right.
I hope Bath have read this season's script and that it's our turn to win next weekend - else there will be trouble!
The Tigers ability to win away from home when not playing well was one of the major factors behind their last four successful Premiership campaigns. On the evidence so far this season that skill has deserted us this term. Leicester had the opportunity to win this game but didn't have the finishing to round off the numerous half breaks that could so easily have turned the game in our favour.
With White and Moody off the pitch it was Bristol who seemed more adept at the 14 man game and soon built up a 9-0 lead through the boot of Contepomi. Tigers are notoriously slow starters away from home and it wasn't until the half hour mark that Kafer finished off a decent spell of pressure to score close to the posts. Tim converted but Contepomi managed another penalty to give Bristol a 12-7 lead at half time.
The second period saw the Argentine number ten kick two more penalties and convert a superb individual try by Phil Christophers who jinked his way past three Tigers defenders to race clear for the crucial score. The Memorial Ground erupted and Tigers looked to be heading for another L on the road. Harry Ellis stirred them before the end with a smart break ( a la 2002 Euro Cup Semi ) that saw him sprint home untouched for a converted try (and my Man of the Match award).
Tim Stimpson slotted a late penalty to give us a point but it was scarce comfort as our final impotent phases of possession came to nought. Pichot had a fine game and hassled Tierney to distraction throughout, he was inspirational and along with the back row led the team to their first win of the season. Put simply Bristol's eight showed more determination than ours and that's not going to make for easy training in Leicester this week.
Tigers ball retention in the tackle was very poor this week we conceded far too many turnovers and really missed Neil Back's sublime skills in this area. Backy has been Tigers most influential player of the last decade and we only truly appreciate him when he's missing. He is the lynchpin that holds our side together and most of our best moves heavily involve him.
A Llanelli fan spoke to me after we lost down there last season and imparted to me some words of wisdom. He pointed out two things firstly that in his opinion Neil Back was definitely our best player and the one they would most like to have in their side. Secondly that he thought we would meet again in the final and that they would beat us. Well he was half right.
I hope Bath have read this season's script and that it's our turn to win next weekend - else there will be trouble!
Bookmark or share this story with:
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon