Saracens were playing for an outside chance of qualification for the next season’s HC through a seventh place finish in the Premiership but as importantly, for Toulon-bound local legend Kris Chesney on the day of his last appearance at VR.

Ches lead the side out to a big roar from the home crowd. He was followed shortly behind by Dave Seymour and Francisco Leonelli, both expected to be playing their rugby elsewhere next season.

Sarries started strongly, anticipating that Leicester could struggle for intensity in the opening exchanges after such a draining match last week and when Hugh Vyvyan collected a loose line-out throw in the Tigers 22 and offloaded to Leonelli for the simplest of scores Vicarage Road exploded into life. Jackson converted from in front of the posts to establish an early lead.

Within minutes however the Tigers struck back with a try of their own, Kiwi Scott Hamilton touching down after half a dozen attacking phases from the visitors. Vesty who has being getting rave reviews of late went wide with the conversion.

Sadly the rest of the game failed to live up to the electric start with the forward-dominated tug-of-war taking centre-stage. Penalties from both fly-halves had the score at 10-8 at the turn.

The Tigers struck first in the second half with Erinle going over after some smart build-up from Hipkiss and Youngs, Vesty again pushed the conversion wide. 10-13.

Jackson added another penalty (13-13) leading to another tense finish. Jackson sent a penalty attempt into the left hand upright and the ball bounced into play from where the Tigers cleared, regained possession thanks to a loose kick from Andy Farrell and secured a kickable penalty when fellow retiree, Cobus Visagie handled the ball on the floor.

Vesty, who had kicked one from four so far in the game stepped-up and slotted the last kick of the game to secure the Tigers a berth in the top four amidst a chorus of boos from the home faithful.

Thankfully that wasn’t the loudest noise of the afternoon. That was reserved for The Mighty Ches on the 69 minute mark when he took a bow from a truly remarkable career at Sarries.

Thanks for all you gave us Ches, for all 338 games you played and for the commitment and loyalty you gave to the Saracens cause and I hope not to see you next season in the ECC!

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon