The Lions achieved a rare victory over their illustrious
opponents, but only the foolhardy would expect them to win through to the next round of
the Cup after this weekend’s second leg.
Leicester, the Premier Division leaders, were minus a host of stars including half a
dozen who were on duty for England against Australia at Twickenham.
Nevertheless it was a fine performance by the Second Division club and especially
pleasing for ex-Tiger Rob Field.
The match was dominated by the packs with Rugby coming out on top in every phase and
they deserved their half time lead.
Martyn Davies kicked Rugby ahead with a long range penalty goal and then Chris Tarbuck
crossed for his third try in as many games for the club.
Leicester came back strongly in the second half however and Rugby’s defence was
put under sustained pressure. They crumbled only once, in the 68th minute, when
Michael Horak dived over in the corner after a close range scrum.
Rugby then had to withstand a tremendous but managed to hang on to their three points
lead top take to Welford Road for the second leg match when Leicester will be at full
strength.
