Dogged defence, but relentless pressure finally tells on Tigers
BONUS-POINT WIN FOR VISITING EXETER CHIEFS
LEICESTER Tigers fell to their second loss of the season after Exeter Chiefs came away with all five points at Welford Road with a 35-13 victory.
Tigers went into half time leading 13-7 but four second-half tries from Rob Baxter’s men meant that the visitors’ 100 per cent record this season continued.
For Tigers, it was their second loss in consecutive rounds after their defeat to London Irish last Sunday as they now lie ninth in the Gallagher Premiership table after three games.
There were plenty of positives for Steve Borthwick’s side, notably, the incredible defensive effort in the first half where they survived wave after wave of Exeter attack to cling on to their lead.
It was the ideal start for Tigers, as they went in front within the first two minutes of the game through a Zack Henry penalty after Exeter were penalised for slowing the ball down illegally.
Exeter then managed to work their way into Tigers territory following a string of penalties and showed their confidence by repeatedly turning down chances to the easy three points, instead opting to go for the try.
Tigers’ defence initially stood firm, but Chiefs’ persistence was rewarded when skipper Jack Yeandle crashed over from a quick-tap penalty.
Tigers responded through a Zack Henry penalty to cut the lead to just one point before the flyhalf’s touch finder put his pack within five metres of the Chiefs line.
The forwards took care of the rest and drove over with Calum Green touching down for his first try to give the hosts the lead.
With five minutes remaining of the half Chiefs returned to the Tigers 22 and insisted on using their power game to pound away at the line, but Tigers rode it out and showed immense resolve to deny the visitors and ensure they went into the interval 13-7 up.
The opening stages of the second half were all Exeter, and the Chiefs again set up camp in the Tigers half. They came agonisingly close to regaining the lead but were denied by a last-ditch Guy Porter tackle, however, the pressure was too much for the Tigers defence and they eventually buckled when Jannes Kirsten went over from close range.
It was the breakthrough they needed and they added to it shortly after, when Stu Townsend’s clever kick was gathered by Ian Whitten to dot down and extend the lead to 21-13.
Tigers’ best chance of the half then came shortly after, when Zack Henry broke free but the flyhalf butchered the two-on-one as the chance went begging. That error was then compounded after Harry Simmons was yellowcarded for a trip on Townsend.
The score remained the same throughout the sin-bin period but shortly after Exeter wrapped up the bonus point when Sam Simmonds scored from a maul to get his sixth try of the season.