Being a Tigers fan, we’re always spolied for choice when it comes to picking highlights. And they’re not always the glory moments of running out at Twickenham or lifting a piece of silverware. There are little golden moments almost everywhere you look over the course of 12 months.
The Tig, for example, certainly enjoyed the win over Saracens in the Aviva Premiership semi-final to secure an eighth Final appearance in eight years. And there was great delight in seeing the Tigers lift the LV= Cup silverware, especially as Northampton were on the receiving end.
But there are so many other incidents and moments to look back on in 2012. Whatever you list is surely just scratching the surface.
So here’s a few just for starters:
The Haka at Welford Road, a simply awe-inspiring moment for supporters and players.
The seconds after the Haka when the Tigers team stood motionless on halfway and accepted the challenge.
The run of bonus-point wins which took Tigers all the way into the play-offs at the end of 2011/12.
The performance of young, inexperienced players in the LV= Cup win at Harlequins, including the solo score by Alex Lewington.
Geordan Murphy’s ugly yet beautiful drop goal winner against Saracens at Vicarage Road.
Geordan Murphy’s 300th appearance for Leicester Tigers.
A 36-3 win over Gloucester as Tigers built a head of steam in the run-in last season.
Craig Newby's performance in the semi-final win over Sarries in his first Aviva Premiership start of the season.
Thomas Waldrom receiving a first England cap in the summer tour to South Africa.
Tom Youngs becoming an international hooker with England.
Steve Mafi’s tries in the Aviva Premiership semi-final and final, and the LV= Cup Final too.
Julian White lifting the LV= Cup and then parading it at Welford Road, with the rest of the squad allowing him a rare moment in the spotlight.
Alesana Tuilagi’s salute to the supporters when he ran in the vital try in the semi-final win over Sarries, and the parade for the home supporters afterwards.
The Adam Thompstone try in the rain in Treviso – superbly assisted by Ben Youngs, Anthony Allen and Mathew Tait.
Manu Tuilagi’s score against Worcester after a turnover from Vereniki Goneva in his own 22.
That’s not bad for one 12-month spell, and it’s only a snapshot of The Tig’s memory bank. Let’s hope for at least as much again in 2013. Have a Happy New Year.
