All of this despite having Graham Rowntree and Ollie Smith sin-binned during the game.

Two penalties from Mark Mapletoft and a reply from Andy Goode, starting at fullback, took the score to 6-3 before the half-hour mark.

The only try of the game came from centre, Daryl Gibson. Gibson made the break then combined with van der Westhazen who put Freddie Tuilagi through. He was stopped close the try line, but the ball was retrieved by Gibson who crashed over in the corner. Goode converted and the Tigers went in at half time 6-16 up.

The home side threw everything at the Tigers but Leicester’s defence held up, even with the 10 minute absence of Rowntree and Smith who were both sent to the sin bin for killing the ball. Rowntree could easily have received a second yellow for persistently being on the wrong side at the ruck.

Goode added three points early in the second half with a long-range effort resulting from a high tackle from ex-Bedford wing, Paul Sackey. Mapletoft replied with a penalty to reduce the deficit to 9-19 but a further three points from a Goode drop goal in the 63rd minute sealed the game for the visitors. The final score at Mad Stad: London Irish 9 – Leicester Tigers 22.

Teams:

London Irish: Armitage, Sackey, Appleford, Hoadley, Bishop, Mapletoft, Edwards, Hatley, Drotske, Wheatley, Strudwick, Casey, Danaher, Dawson, Sheasby.

Replacements: Buckler, Flavin, Roche, Gustard, Cannon, Barrett, Everitt.

Leicester: Goode, Hipkiss, Smith, Gibson, F Tuilagi, van der Westhuyzen, Tierney, Rowntree, West, Morris, M Johnson, Deacon, Corry, Back, H Tuilagi.

Replacements: Richards, Nebbett, Hamilton, W Johnson, Jones, Gelderbloom, Murphy.

Referee: Steve Leyshon (RFU)

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