Leicester toast Burns’ drop goal

Freddie Burns’ dropped goal with 20 seconds left clinched Leicester the English Premiership from Saracens by 15-12 in a thrilling final at Twickenham yesterday.

Leicester overcame the firsthalf loss of injured talisman George Ford – replaced by Burns – to end a nine-year wait for the title.

Tries by South African backrowers Hanro Liebenberg and Jasper Wiese in an eight-minute spell in the second quarter underpinned the Tigers’ victory.

Saracens halfback Aled Davies was in the sin-bin during both tries following a high shoulder-led challenge on Tigers hooker Julian Montoya. Davies was fortunate to avoid a red card.

Leicester led 12-6 at halftime and dominated the third quarter without scoring. Saracens skipper Owen Farrell kicked his second and third penalties to tie the score by the 76th minute.

But Burns had the final say. ‘‘It was one of those where I was ecstatic to get it over,’’ Burns said. ‘‘I managed to shin it over, it was like a dead duck going over but I don’t care, it went through.’’

Saracens’ hopes of completing a stunning rise from salary cap scandal and relegation humiliation in 2020 to regain domestic silverware were dashed.

‘‘They trapped us in our half for long periods and backed that up with brilliant defensive work,’’ Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said. ‘‘We were a bit suffocated. We didn’t get anywhere near our best.’’

Meanwhile, French champions Toulouse won’t be defending their Top 14 title after a 24-18 loss to Castres in the semifinals.

Castres’ grand final opponents will be Montpellier, who beat Bordeaux-Begles 16-12.

Toulouse fielded former All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina and Kiwi midfielder Pita Ahki against Castres on Saturday.