NADOLO SIGNS OFF IN STYLE
Leicester 33 London Irish 31 BY GARY FITZGERALD NEMANI NADOLO signed off with a trademark rampaging performance – but his Leicester side were left clinging on to victory.
Battling London Irish pushed the powerful wing and his team-mates all the way at Welford Road in a Premiership clash which saw 10 tries shared.
Nadolo failed to get on the scoresheet but he was loudly clapped off seven minutes into the second half.
The 34-year-old (inset) is moving to Super Rugby side
NSW Waratahs after three years in England and insisted: “I wanted to go out with a win and we got it – just! It’s sad to leave but it’s been an honour to play for this club.”
Tigers led 26-14 at the break but Irish’s spirit threatened to cause an upset. Julian Montoya, Richard Wigglesworth, Harry Potter and Tommy Reffell crossed for Leicester while Irish replied through Fijian lock Api Ratuniyarawa and a penalty try.
After the break Exiles burst out of the blocks as captain Matt Rogerson and wing Ollie Hassell-Collins crossed to go level at 26-26. Jasper Wiese then crashed over only for Irish to hit back through Tom Pearson.
But Paddy Jackson’s failure to convert proved the difference in a tense finale. Tigers director of rugby Steve Borthwick said: “It was closer than we wanted but it’s always nice to pick up five points.” Exiles director of rugby Declan Kidney admitted: “It was a tight game and it’s frustrating not to win.”