Lote Tuqiri played his last match for the Leicester Tigers in the Guinness Premiership this weekend as his side beat London Irish 35-19 in entertaining style at Welford Road, strengthening their grip on the top of the table.
Front rower Martin Castrogiovanni put in a man of the match performance as he scored a try and contributed to another. Alesana Tuilagi scored after just five minutes from quick hands, while Scott Hamilton scored following a great break from Tuqiri.
Castrogiovanni picked up an intercept try, almost unheard of for a prop, then sprinted away to score, while waving his hand triumphantly in the air.
Steffon Armitage scored a try for the visitors to get them back in it, and with a kicking duel between Toby Flood and Ryan Lamb, the Exiles got to within ten points at one stage.
George Chuter killed them off though with the winning try on sixty nine minutes.
Coach Richard Cokerill described Hamiltons try as the best of the season so far.
“It was the best try we’ve scored all season,” Cockerill said.
“Calum Green, who’s just 19 and with limited experience at this level, nicked the lineout on one side of the pitch, then we played the ball well to use the space across the pitch, Lote took it on and Scott finished very well.”
Tuqiri is now heading back to Australia to play Rugby League with the Wests Tigers.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Leicester. They’ve been very good to me and the guys have been excellent in accepting me here and helping me to settle in England,” he said.
“Leicester Tigers and the supporters have been terrific to me and my family. We wish the club every success in the future.”
Italian prop Catrogiovanni was as amazed as everyone with his great intercept try.
“I ran more than 10 metres, I never do that in my life – that is like a wing running the full pitch! Opportunities to score do not come very often for a prop, so it is happy days!”
Time:
04:28
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