History for Ashton

CHRIS ASHTON became the Premiership’s record try scorer as Leicester claimed a home semi-final and teed up next weekend’s European quarter-final against Leinster.

Ashton, 35, has had a new lease of life since joining the Tigers in February after a split with Worcester.

Level with former Leicester and Wasps man Tom Varndell on 92, Ashton obliterated that mark before the break with a 24-minute hat-trick.

He then admitted he feared his career was over before Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick got in touch.

‘I had three months at home thinking that was it, so I am very grateful to get the opportunity again,’ Ashton said. ‘I don’t lack motivation here. I am happy to be out there scoring and out there back in front of a crowd. I will chase anything.’ Former captain Tom Youngs, who retired in the week to look after his sick wife Tiffany, led the team out after a pre-match team talk.

By the time he reappeared to do a lap of honour at the break, the game was as good as over with the league leaders 27-12 up.

Leicester then scored four more tries in the second half to make it eight in all in a stroll.

‘They are the gold standard at the moment,’ Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said. ‘This is their time.’