Parling frustrated as Leicester blow half-time lead against Leinster to lose again

Leicester 15-23 Leinster

Gibson-Park and Sheehan score visitors’ tries

Leicester’s director of rugby, Geoff Parling, was frustrated that his side failed to capitalise from a strong position to lose to Leinster at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Despite a spirited effort against error-ridden opponents, the hosts came away with nothing and remain pointless at the bottom of Pool 3 after their opening two fixtures.

Leicester earned a surprising 15-6 lead at the break, thanks partly to a scorching 75 metre kick-and-chase try by wing Adam Radwan. But a missed penalty from Billy Searle at the start of the second half and a soft try for Jamison Gibson-Park shifted the momentum and ultimately – despite being far from their best – the Irish province were deserved winners. Gibson-Park and Dan Sheehan scored Leinster’s tries, with Harry Byrne kicking three penalties and a conversion. Sam Prendergast also added a conversion.