Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Leicester come back against Ospreys in Welford Road classic
The injury-ravaged side lost four key players before kick-off and found themselves facing an on form Ospreys side who raced into the lead with tries by Shane Williams and Tommy Bowe. Teenage flyhalf Dan Biggar was faultless with the boot, ending with a personal tally of 22 points.
The Tigers however had a young man named Billy Twelvetrees in their lineup, after he came in as a late replacement. He took his chance with both hands, scoring a try and slotting 9 points with the boot to earn the Man of the Match award, on debut.
Johne Murphy, Lucas Amorosino, and Jeremy Staunton all scored tries, contributing to their four-try bonus point. It was quite a feat considering they were without the likes of Geordan Murphy, Toby Flood, Sam Vesty, Harry Ellis, Matt Smith, and centre pairing Aaron Mauger and Dan Hipkiss.
Leicester coach Richard Cockerill summed up the fighting spirit.
"We had players unavailable and pulling out at the last minute. The attitude to just go out and play and not give up is what this side is about. The spirit of the players today was fantastic.
We pride ourselves on having people who want to play for us and not for the money.
You can buy a team but you can't buy spirit.
Man of the match Twelvetrees, who only found out hed be playing 10 minutes before kick off, described it as a dream come true.
"It is what every boy dreams of, playing in the Heineken Cup for Leicester Tigers who are such a prestigious side. I loved every minute of it," said Twelvetrees.
"He did some good things in pre-season after being on loan at Bedford but everyone has to earn the right to play in the side - he got in by luck and took his chance," said coach Cockerill.
Time: 04:39
Posted at 7:14 am | 41 comments
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Viewing 41 comments
Anonymous October 14, 2009 8:11 am

jamestheconvict October 14, 2009 8:21 am

hackney Griffin October 14, 2009 9:09 am

Let's hope the Tigers find a way to give both Billy and Anthony Allen plenty of time in the side.
John F October 14, 2009 9:28 am

Unfortunately for the Ospreys, they aren't going to win the H Cup until they can scrummage! They were missing the two Jones up front but nevertheless their second choice front row was mauled!!!!!!!
Very exciting start for Billy Twelvetrees and what a come back given that injury list.
Jong October 14, 2009 9:44 am

iceman! October 14, 2009 9:47 am

a) we had to exercise a clause in a contract of young centre Tom Youngs (who we sold last year) that he can come back and bench for us in emergencies, but we can only play him as a last resort
and b) when anthony allen went off, we had to play craig newby (a flanker) at inside centre
and the fact that they still managed to rip up a backline with FIVE british lions in it was quite amazing.
Kiwibro October 14, 2009 9:49 am

Anonymous October 14, 2009 10:40 am

jkingfig October 14, 2009 11:59 am

If Cockers can get over his misconception that Matt Smith is any good, Billy could help bring a much needed injection of creativity into the Tiger's back line.
Exciting as a Tigers and England supporter.
Also Dan Biggar deserves a mention, if I was welsh or an osprey's supported I would be excited about him.
ChrisTheCanuk October 14, 2009 12:56 pm

Anonymous October 14, 2009 1:02 pm

Anonymous October 14, 2009 1:05 pm

well played billy ill be your mate
WelshOsprey October 14, 2009 1:26 pm

Hats off to tigers though, great stuff.
Jonathan October 14, 2009 1:28 pm

Andy October 14, 2009 1:36 pm

RD October 14, 2009 1:38 pm

Chris October 14, 2009 2:44 pm

Anonymous October 14, 2009 3:41 pm

Anonymous October 14, 2009 3:41 pm

Kearney for tests October 14, 2009 4:00 pm

Anonymous October 14, 2009 4:12 pm

Jordan October 14, 2009 6:02 pm

Maximus October 14, 2009 6:28 pm

Lorcan October 14, 2009 10:50 pm

Anonymous October 14, 2009 11:58 pm

Anonymous October 15, 2009 1:01 am

Anonymous October 15, 2009 9:48 am

Kinda boring, imo"
Your post or a ride on your mother?
Ted October 15, 2009 10:00 am

Anonymous October 15, 2009 10:30 am

Do these rugby players get payed? because they all look like amateurs lol'
The sad part is, in a country where the game is not important, they still get paid more than players in the southern hemisphere.
That's the price you pay for living in a third world country, and your English skills are testament to why those places are so poor.
Andy October 15, 2009 11:56 am

Well said, but lets not start bickering now. Everyone has been very well behaved recenty.
Phil October 15, 2009 2:48 pm

This would then end all pro/anti SA comments. Maybe something like:
May our posts on this site be polite,
May this game cause all men to unite,
I pledge not to talk like a hater,
Just because you're from over the equator.
Verse 2 anyone?
vinniechan October 15, 2009 2:52 pm

Incidentally, Moody used to be a centre before switching to back row (I always think he has pace for a forward, even he has lost a bit now)
Those young guns were looking very promising, and I really hope AA will eventually come through for England (though Geragty is on hot form)
luxi October 15, 2009 6:42 pm

Maximus October 16, 2009 2:07 pm

RD October 17, 2009 6:12 am

The newly developed site will have better systems regarding this type of thing.
cheers
Cheyanqu October 20, 2009 1:35 am

Sounds like the guy that played Tonto on the old Lone Ranger movies.















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