All week Andy Goode had been "chatting" to the press and made some fairly unsavoury comments. It was fitting then perhaps that he gave such a poor display and contributed to his sides demise. His goal kicking was wayward on a day when Stimpson managed a perfect performance with 3 penalty goals and two conversions.

Tigers started the game into a fierce headwind and struggled to convert their pressure into points. Tom Tierney made a couple of early breaks but handling errors let the team down. Tim kicked three first half penalties whilst Saracens managed a breakaway try from Tom Shanklin and Goode kicked a penalty to make the score 9-8 in our favour at the break.

The second half saw a cracking try from the rejuvenated Thomas Casteignede who worked a one on one with Graham Rowntree to his advantage as he screamed through to score in the corner. Tigers scored two of their own the first saw Booth touchdown in the left corner after Tigers mounted a sustained assault.

Geordan Murphy finished off another succession of attacks in the 72nd minute as he glided between two defenders to score. After a similar wave of attacks Booth crossed again but the try was harshly ruled out for an earlier infringement on half way. Andy Goode kicked a penalty to keep the home side in the hunt before Geordan settled the tie with a long range drop goal.

Sam Vesty was excellent throughout this match and showed a maturity far beyond his age. Many players would have gone into their shells after giving that pass for the interception but Sam gritted his teeth and continued to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Far from Leicester being disadvantaged by the loss of Andy Goode last summer it is a blessing that Sam has had the chance to shine. He is my Man of the Match with Chuter, Tierney and Stimpson all pushing him close.

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