By Duncan Wood
May 2 2002

Expect a large crowd on Sunday when the current Premiership champions come to town. It's a slightly strange fixture. Leicester have already clinched the title but there's still plenty to play for. Injuries could play a part.

When you check out the scores over the last few years, Bristol have actually pushed Leicester quite hard bearing in mind Leicester's recent domination of the league.

Last season saw two very close encounters with one win apiece. The most recent meeting was back in December when Bristol gave the Tigers quite a scare and led the match going into the final stages before Leicester pegged it back.

Secondly, look at the names of the top try and points scorers. There are some real stars of yesteryear on the list although Hully and Taints are still very much involved with the club.

One thing that will be quite difficult to predict with regard to Sunday is exactly who will be playing. Leicester had a gruelling game against Llanelli on Sunday and I wouldn't be surprised if they'd picked up a few bumps and bruises along the way.

They've clinched the league so their focus will understandably be on the European Cup final and the Zurich playoffs. That being the case, I wouldn't be at all surprised if a few players were rested with a few big guns sitting on the bench perhaps.

Bristol's injury woes are well documented and Andrew Sheridan is the latest doubt. He limped out of the Gloucester game with a knee injury and is cautious about returning too quickly. You also couldn't blame him for having half an eye on the England game against the Barbarians.

If Sheri misses out, the second row is an issue. Alex Brown is playing through an ankle injury and Garath Archer is rated doubtful due to a back problem. Ben Sturnham may have to move up from the back row with Jim Brownrigg slotting in at number eight.

Without knowing who's fit or not, it's difficult to make a prediction. Leicester don't need to win but they always play with pride. Bristol are beaten up but want the points to try and avoid a trip to Welford Road in the playoffs.

I predict a tight encounter with plenty of fireworks up front. You never know, we might just sneak it if we get the bounce of the ball.

Bristol Shoguns vs Leicester Tigers
Sun 05 May, at Memorial Stadium - KO 15:00

Results Summary between 1987 and 2002
Played 21
Bristol Won 5 - 23.8%
Leicester Tigers Won 16 - 76.2%

TEAM GREATS
Biggest Win for Bristol, 40 - 22, 30 Apr 1994
Biggest Win for Leicester Tigers, 43 - 6, 28 Oct 1995

PLAYER GREATS
Bristol top try scorer vs Leicester Tigers, Paul Hull, 3 tries
Bristol top points scorer vs Leicester Tigers, Mark Tainton, 93 points
Leicester Tigers top try scorer vs Bristol, Stuart Potter, 5 tries
Leicester Tigers top points scorer vs Bristol, John Liley, 132 points

LAST MEETINGS

08 Dec 2001, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 19 - 26, Welford Rd
06 Feb 2001, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 10 - 17, Welford Rd
23 Sep 2000, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 24 - 20, Memorial Stadium
14 May 2000, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 23 - 30, Memorial Stadium
23 Oct 1999, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 19 - 36, Welford Rd
10 May 1998, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 25 - 34, Welford Rd
28 Feb 1998, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 24 - 27, Memorial Stadium
18 Jan 1997, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 19 - 53, Welford Rd
18 Dec 1996, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers, 12 - 38, Memorial Stadium
13 Apr 1996, Bristol vs Leicester Tigers 29 - 43, Memorial Stadium