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Report | Bears sink Tigers late on at Mattioli Woods Welford Road

Figure image

Post-Match Chat | Hanro Liebenberg

Leicester Tigers have fallen in a dramatic contest at Mattioli Woods Welford Road 21-19 against Bristol Bears.

A try in the final minute sealed a final-quarter comeback for Bears as Tigers couldn’t hold on after losing Mike Brown to a late red card.

Tigers shot out of the blocks, pinning Bristol in their half, forcing penalty at the maul and breakdown.

Eventually, after repeated infringements, Bristol lost winger Gabriel Ibitoye to the sin-bin, and Tigers made full advantage of the numbers advantage, Dan Kelly throwing a beautiful pass to assist Ollie Hassell-Collins.

Handré Pollard converted to make it 7-0 just before the 20-minute mark.

Bristol then found their feat, and Tigers lost Mike Brown to bin as well. After Ibitoye returned, the Bears looked to have made the numbers advantage count but a forward pass ruled out the try.

Tigers recovered and worked out of their end and Brown returned to the field.

Both sides had chances to attack, Tigers probably having the more clear cut opportunities to score but it would stay 7-0 at the break.

Leicester were first out of the traps in the second period, showing the same determination in defence as the first half.

Defensive pressure resulted in a set-piece deep in Bristol territory and a brilliant pass from Freddie Steward saw Hassell-Collins go over again.

Pollard couldn’t find the extras, 12-0 after 50 and Tigers weren’t finished.

Fresh bodies gave the side a lift, and it was Francois van Wyk who would bury his head under Bears defenders to score. Pollard made it 19-0 with 20 to play.

With just over 10 to play, Bears through Max Lahiff got their first score of the day.

Tigers then lost Brown to a second yellow card, the veteran being shown a red in his return to the starting side.

Bears then drew the game to one score, again through Lahiff and the boot of MacGinty, the score now 19-14.

A final blow in the comeback came as time hit red, and Bears scored to sink Tigers at full-time. MacGinty converted to make it 21-19 at full-time.

Match Details

HT ScoreHalf Time Score

LEI 7-0 BRI

FT ScoreFull Time Score

LEI 19-21 BRI

Attendance

Not available

Referee

Matthew Carley

Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
19

Full Time

Bristol Bears
Bristol Bears
21
Leicester Tigers
T
C
T
T
C
KOHTFT
Bristol Bears
T
C
T
C
T
C

Match Stats

Leicester Tigers
Bristol Bears
Possession
49%
51%
Territory
63%
37%
Penalties Conceded
9
9
Yellow Cards
1
1
Red Cards
1
0
Tackles Won
146/182 80%
163/181 90%
Scrums Won
12/12 100%
4/4 100%
Lineouts Won
16/17 94%
10/11 91%

Player Stats

Leicester Tigers
Bristol Bears
Leicester Tigers
TCDP
15Freddie Steward
14Mike Brown
13Matt Scott
12Dan Kelly
11Ollie Hassell-Collins2T
10Handre Pollard2C
9Jack van Poortvliet
1James Cronin
2Julian Montoya
3Dan Cole
4George Martin
5Ollie Chessum
6Hanro Liebenberg
7Tommy Reffell
8Jasper Wiese
16Charlie Clare
17Francois van Wyk1T
18Will Hurd
19Harry Wells
20Olly Cracknell
21Tom Whiteley
22Jamie Shillcock
23Phil Cokanasiga

Commentary

FULL TIME AT MATTIOLI WOODS WELFORD ROAD

Leicester Tigers lead for almost the entire match but fall with the clock in the red to an in-form Bristol Bears, who capitalise on their man advantage to claim victory.

Full time score: Leicester Tigers 19 - 21 Bristol Bears 

CONVERSION | BRISTOL BEARS

AJ Macginty slots the conversion, Bears take the win.

TRY | BRISTOL BEARS

The visitors complete the comeback, a break from deep allowing for a series of relentless carries that eventually sees the Bears touch down.

CONVERSION | BRISTOL BEARS

And Macginty adds the extras, reducing the defecit.

Just five points seperate the sides, with five minutes to play.

TRY | BRISTOL BEARS

And the Bears take advantage.

A penalty well inside their half was kicked superbly by Macginty to give his side territory deep into Tigers' 22, Bears launching into phase play straight from the top.

They crash against the line and Tigers try to hold on before replacement Lahiff is driven over for his second score.

RED CARD | MIKE BROWN

A second yellow card is shown to Mike Brown, this time for a high tackle, and so the veteran is consequently sent off.

CONVERSION | BRISTOL BEARS

Macginty adds the extras with a straightforward kick, narrowing the gap to 12 points.

TRY | BRISTOL BEARS

However, the door can't stay bolted forever and the pressure tells here.

Phases after phase after phase the Tigers repel, a massive shift from all involved but eventually Bears squeeze out a score, replacement prop Lahiff finding the smallest modicum of space to touch down on the line.

68

SUPERB DEFENCE FROM CHESSUM

Tigers' defence has been immeasurable today and once again they bust a gut to stop what looked like a surefire score.

The visitors squeeze through an inch of space and look to dive benath the posts but Chessum has galloped back and intercepts the breaking player to halt the play.

Bears try to capitalise just a handful of metres out but are repelled time and again until a penalty is called over ten phases in.

CONVERSION | Handré Pollard

A simple conversion for the Springbok.

TRY | FRANCOIS VAN WYK

Tigers get their third!

A barrage of carries are volleyed in across the centre of the field as the forwards grit their teeth and demand those incremental metres.

Finally, it's replacement prop van Wyk who touches down after carrying barely an inch but showing great awarness to spot the whitewash and slam the ball home.

SUBSTITUTION | LEICESTER TIGERS

That turnover will be the captain's last actions as Montoya is replaced by Charlie Clare, while it's also time for van Poortvliet to exit the field, replaced by Tom Whiteley.

59

INCREDIBLE DEFENCE

The Tigers Family are ROARING at a packed Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Bears had pulled off a slick move down the right hand side, fullback Rich Lane steaming through with two support runners either side.

However, he hadn't accounted for van Poortvliet, the scrum half haring back at breakneck pace and making a vital tackle before any final touch could be made to what was surely a certain score.

From here, Montoya has worked his socks off to get back and he clears out to suddenly turn the ball over and give Steward a platform to clear.

The fullback then takes his opportunity to step on the gas, haring after the ball and forcing a wayward pass that is again knocked on, granting Tigers a scrum just out side the Bears 22 and a net gain of around 50 metres, all from the hard work of the home side.

SUBSTITUTION | LEICESTER TIGERS

Two changes in the front row as Cole and Cronin leave the field, to a standing ovation from the Breedon Stand, to be replaced by Francois van Wyk and Will Hurd.

52

BIG TURNOVER IN MIDFIELD

Bears look to play their way out of their own half but a perfectly executed shot from Tommy Reffell drives back centre van Rensburg by almost ten metres and allows Cole to secure the ball,well into Bears' half. 

49

CONVERSION MISSED | Handré Pollard

A difficult kick can't quite curl inside and flashes by the posts.

TRY | OLLIE HASSELL-COLLINS

A second of the afternoon for the wing!

Here, Tigers pack down for a rock solid scrum and play flat to the line, granting Hassell-Collins plenty of space to work with out wide.

The speedster does the rest, picking a wide angle and having too much in the tank as he dives over in front of a jubilant Europcar stand.

46

SLIPPERY CONDITIONS COMING INTO PLAY

Bears have retrieved the ball and look to make a it upfield but their trademarked offloading game doesnt quite come off today, with a couple of critical knock ons keeping them penned in their own 22.

THE SECOND HALF IS UNDERWAY

Handré Pollard kicks things off as the second half of action begns.

Bears clear it right back to Tigers who look to attack early, great width to Hassell-Collins before a crashing line from Wiese.

HALF TIME HERE AT HOME

Tigers go in with a seven point advantage as an entertaining half, moreso than a low scoreline would suggest, comes to an end.

Both sides have had plenty of chances to build a lead but stellar defence has thwarted these opportunities, bar Hassell-Collins' opening try.

Half time score: Leicester Tigers 7 - 0 Bristol Bears

34

BEARS TOUGH TO BREAK DOWN

Tigers had been building well but unable to penetrate a watertight Bears defence.

Carries were flying in all over the Bears 22, first a fearless hard line from Dan Kelly before smash and grabs from Martin and Montoya.

But once again the visitors manage to turn it over at a crucial juncture, thieving the ball at the ruck and breaking to halfway, where a subsequent knock on halts their momentum.

From the scrum, Hassell-Collins makes a tremendous break down the left and we're back up to the visitors 22 as they scramble back to cover.

34

TIGERS RIGHT ON THE BEARS LINE

Tigers get oh so close, punching lines in midfield before an attempt to go wide gets them inches from the whitewash before being fielded into touch.

Mike Brown returns to the field following the completion of his sin bin period and Tigers defend the resulting Bears lineout brilliantly, forcing a knock on and meaning there's a five metre attacking scrum to the hosts.

30

MONSTER KICK FROM POLLARD

Another titanic clash at scrum time sees Wiese pick up from the base and make five metres with Harry Randall attached to him.

The play is called back for a penalty though and Pollard hits a huge kick to go from 22 to 22.

27

TRY DISALLOWED | BRISTOL BEARS

The visitors almost pull a fast one from the resulting line out, a quick one-two between hooker and first reciever seeing Gabriel Oghre go over.

However, upon further review, the ball travelled forward and it's a Tigers scrum on the 22.

24

VITAL TURNOVER

After Brown's yellow card, Bears had built play to just five metres out.

However a rushing defence allowed the forwards to fly over the ball and rip it right back, freeing space for Pollard to relieve pressure for the moment with a clearance to around 25 metres out.

Additionally, wing Ibitoye has returned from his time in the sin bin.

YELLOW CARD | MIKE BROWN

Brown is shown yellow for an intentional slap down in open play.

CONVERSION | Handré Pollard

The Springbok slots a difficult quick with aplomb and Tigers extend their lead.

TRY | OLLIE HASSELL-COLLINS

Tigers capitalise with the game's opening score!

They use the full width of the field, soft hands forging a two on one on the left hand touchline before a whipped, ranging ball finds wing Hassell-Collins in the corner to touch down.

YELLOW CARD | BRISTOL BEARS

Wing Gabriel Ibitoye is shown to the sin bin after an offside call while defending.

15

SCRUM SHOWDOWN

Former front row partners Dan Cole and Ellis Genge come face to face for the first time this afternoon.

Tigers have the put in and a mammoth shove and they win a penalty for their efforts.

They play advantage and probe at the Bears defence but, after an infringement, play is called back.

10

TRY DISALLOWED| Julián Montoya

Tigers have four line outs in quick succession, keen to capitalise on their deadly rolling maul.

The first goes awry but the team go coast to coast, a grubber through resulting in a Bears player tackled to touch.

The second sees a van Poortvliet snipe just an inch away but the ref calls the play back.

The third sees Montoya go over to a monstrous roar but further review shows his foot was just in touch.

Finally, the ball gets played out the back but Bears cover well and turn it over.

5

50.22 KLAXON!

Tigers attack in waves, with the highlight an astute pick and go from Ollie Chessum almost sees the lock break through, Bears scrambling to cover.

However, Tigers fumble the ball with hands down the line and the visitors capitalise, kicking upfield and putting pressure on the Tigers defence.

Although Bears get the ball back and look to break quickly, Liebenberg intercepts cannilily and Freddie Steward hits a monster 50.22 to put the pressure on Bears on their own line.

KICK OFF

The visitors get us underway, fly half AJ Macginty kicking us off.

Tigers win an early line out in their own half through astute defence before Jasper Wiese earns a penalty after a big carry.

A big kick up field and Tigers have a line out on the Bears 22.

-5

FIVE MINUTES TO GO!

It's almost time for kick off here at Mattioli Woods Welford Road!

The teams have been announced and both sides enter the changing rooms.

We're sold out here at home today for what should be a cracking game of rugby!

Lily thinks today will be a tough game but predicts a Tigers win with scores from Handré Pollard and (maybe) Dan Cole.

-10

MILESTONES APLENTY TODAY

Today's starting XV sees a couple of milestone figures reached as well as a welcome return.

Firstly, George Martin returns to the second row for his first start since the 2024 Guinness Six Nations, partnering Ollie Chessum.

Further back in the pack, Hanro Liebenberg is set for his 100th Leicester Tigers start.

Finally, further forward, Dan Cole is set for his mammoth 250th Leicester Tigers start, just one week after the prop broke Graham Rowntree's record for the most league appearances in Tigers history.

The Colar bear is also Lily's favourite Tigers player!

-15

FOLLOW ALONG LIVE!

Whether you're heading down to Tigers HQ to watch from the stands, tuning in to PRTV to watch live from your living room or sticking with us here on Matchday Live you won't miss a second of the action.

So head for a Pukka Pie from the bars or pop the kettle on and get cosy on the couch, we're just fifteen minutes away from Gallagher Premiership rugby!

-20

SLIPPERY CONDITIONS HERE TODAY

As Lily has just pointed out, it's cloudy, windy and in real danger of rain here at Mattioli Woods Welford Road so we'll have to see how these conditions affect the action here.

-25

IT'S JTC TAKEOVER DAY!

Today we celebrate the future of Leicester Tigers as the Junior Tigers Club takes over.

JTC members are helping out in the grounds team, the announcing team and even here on Matchday Live as we're joined Lily Ella!

-30

THIRTY MINUTES TILL KICK OFF!

It's just half an hour until we're underway at Mattioli Woods Welford Road!

Dan Cole makes his 250th Leicester Tigers start today as Tigers get set to play Bristol Bears in Round 16 of the Gallagher Premiership.


Opposition Lineup

Starting XV

15
Richard Lane
14
Ratu Naulago
13
Benhard Janse van Rensburg
12
James Williams
11
Gabriel Ibitoye
10
AJ MacGinty
9
Harry Randall
1
Ellis Genge
2
Gabriel Oghre
3
Kyle Sinckler
4
James Dun
5
Joe Batley
6
Steven Luatua
7
Fitz Harding
8
Magnus Bradbury

Replacements

16
Harry Thacker
17
Jake Woolmore
18
Max Lahiff
19
Josh Caulfield
20
Jake Heenan
21
Kieran Marmion
22
Virimi Vakatawa
23
Piers O'Conor

Team News | Martin back for Bristol clash

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Leicester Tigers have named their side for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash against Bristol Bears at 3pm at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

England international lock George Martin makes his first appearance for Tigers since the Guinness Six Nations, with Tommy Reffell and Hanro Liebenberg both fit to take their place in Leicester’s backrow, Liebenberg making his 100th start for the club.

The fixture sees Martin, Reffell and Liebenberg in a starting forward pack with Ollie Chessum and Jasper Wiese for the first time this season.

Further to the front, tighthead prop Dan Cole makes his 250th appearance in the starting team having broken Graham Rowntree’s league game record last week.

In the backs, Freddie Steward shifts back to fullback with Mike Brown coming onto the wing.

Leicester Tigers head coach, Dan McKellar said: “Saturday was a difficult day for us but after reviewing on Monday, we had a clear picture of where we were good but crucially the elements of our game where we have to be better.

“As a collective, our sole focus is putting in an 80-minute performance that our supporters deserve because their support has been incredible throughout the season.”

 

STARTING XV

15 Freddie Steward [85]

14 Mike Brown [25]

13 Matt Scott [77]

12 Dan Kelly [78]

11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [19]

10 Handré Pollard [30]

9 Jack van Poortvliet [70]

1 James Cronin [32]

2 Julián Montoya [57]

3 Dan Cole [320]

4 George Martin [63]

5 Ollie Chessum [55]

6 Hanro Liebenberg [104]

7 Tommy Reffell [111]

8 Jasper Wiese [76]

REPLACEMENTS

16 Charlie Clare [92]

17 Francois van Wyk [51]

18 Will Hurd [40]

19 Harry Wells [196]

20 Olly Cracknell [40]

21 Tom Whiteley [27]

22 Jamie Shillcock [25]

23 Phil Cokanasiga [17]

posteamteam namepldwdlfadifftftatblbpts
5
Bristol Bears
Bristol BearsBRI18110759144714480618254
8
Leicester Tigers
Leicester TigersLEI189094354082755515445
Form Guide
Form
WWWWL
Last Match
Lost to Bath Rugby 15-20
Past Meeting
Lost 19-21
Form
Last Match
Past Meeting
Form
WLWWL
Last Match
Lost to Gloucester Rugby 41-44
Past Meeting
Won 21-19

Matchday Live

Leicester Tigers19
Leicester Tigers
Bristol Bears21
Bristol Bears
Full Time