Leicester Tigers stay in the hunt by beating Clermont

After losing in a disappointing way a week earlier, Leicester came back nicely to beat Clermont 20-15 to keep their Heineken Cup hopes alive.

Tigers scrumhalf Ben Youngs kept British & Irish Lion Harry Ellis on the bench for the full 80 minutes, as he once again showed his promise with a mature overall performance, and an excellent break that set up a try for Anthony Allen.

"I was going to score myself but there was a lot of noise outside me and I thought if I dont give it to Anthony then he might kill me," Youngs explained.

"Its probably the biggest game Ive played for Leicester. I had not started much before this season so its good to get a run of games. I am really pleased that the coaches played me for the full 80 so it shows they have faith in me."

Despite him setting up the more than valuable try, assistant coach Matt OConnor has told the 20 year old that he needs to focus more on his all-round game, than only producing the big moments.

"Bens a good player and he will play more and more footie for us if he continues to play like that. Hes a special talent, but hes got to make sure he has the nuts and bolts and the basics of his game every week thats what makes a team tick.

"We will take the special things when they come, but hes got to be good at the basics every week," he added.

Kiwi Scott Hamilton scored ran away for a vital try six minutes from time after a poor Toby Flood kick landed in his hands somehow, allowing him to sprint 55 metres and dive in at the corner.

Brock James kicked a second penalty to take his side into bonus-point contention, following on from his impressive three drop goals earlier in the match.

Leicester and Clermont are now both four points behind the leaders of Pool 3, the Ospreys, who will meet both sides next month.


Time: 05:04
RD Community: Have you joined our forum yet? It's the best and easiest way to post requests, discuss matches, issues and incidents with the regulars, and take part in our new caption competition. Join Now

Posted at 9:57 am | 22 comments

|