Leicester 33-19 Bristol
Victory lifts Leicester into third place in Prem table
Swapping the bright Saturday night lights of the Stade de France for the rusty old Crumbie Stand can be a real mental challenge. There is certainly less demand for foie gras in Aylestone but for certain people nothing beats a constant diet of rugby. England’s Ollie Chessum did occasionally look a tad weary during another selfless 80-minute shift but a vital 33-19 Leicester win made all those hard yards worthwhile.
The result not only hoists the Tigers into third place in the Prem table but Gabriel Hamer-Webb’s spectacular last-gasp try earned what could prove a key extra point when the playoff maths are totted up. Bristol, who had been pressing for a couple of bonus points of their own, were ultimately left empty-handed and down in fifth place after a game that was never less than intense and absorbing.
It was certainly an indicator of the fixture’s significance for the hosts that Chessum, named the player of the match, and Joe Heyes were invited to strap back on their battle armour with Jack van Poortvliet coming off the bench. The selection strategy ultimately paid off, helped by another influential display from the fly-half, Billy Searle, with the final try exemplifying the Tigers’ growing confidence.
