Leicester Tigers supporters have shared their reaction to a second European Challenge Cup victory in as many games after a young Tigers team took the spoils from a tense match at Cardiff Blues.
Head coach Geordan Murphy included 13 Tigers Academy graduates in the matchday squad for a trip to Cardiff Arms Park, with Tom Hardwick’s last-minute penalty securing back-to-back Euro wins for the side.
Well played tonight Ellis. The boys did themselves and the travelling fans proud 👏
— Derek (@dbtraveller) November 24, 2019
Long-standing season ticket holder Martin Buczkiewicz was among the supporters who made the trip westwards for Saturday’s match, and spoke of his pride in the young side as he applauded the men in fluoro-red from the field.
“Superb,” he said. “They put the spirit in, the fight in, and it was a really good performance.
“Even though there might have only been a few of the regular first-team players in there, it was tremendous and a proper Tigers performance.”
When you’re written off, no better time to prove the world wrong. Unreal from all the @LeicesterTigers 🤘
— JustLuckyIGuess (@ZachCurtis2) November 24, 2019
Brothers Nick and Ed Cooper were among the fans waiting for a glimpse of their heroes in the tunnel at Cardiff.
“That was an incredible performance, and really turned over what some fans might have thought going into the game,” said Ed. “As supporters since the early nineties, it’s fantastic to watch young lads perform like this.
“They’ve done us proud.”
Nick added: “Every single member of that team played really well, to be fair, and I can’t pick a single player out. A complete team performance.
“We’re staying over tonight, so we’ll celebrate this evening!”
Hold my head in shame I doubted the team selection - thanks for proving me wrong - immense performance has given the whole club a lift - let’s build on this 👏👏👏
— nigel hunt (@nigelhunt3) November 24, 2019
Season ticket holder Nicola Hay explained she could barely watch as fly-half Hardwick lined up the late penalty from close to 30 metres out.
“That was tense! We had everything crossed,” she said. “From that angle, we were fairly confident … but very happy to see it go over!”
Nights like this happen because we keep the faith in you boys. Well played ma petit choux!
— Anne Dawkins (@AnneDawkins) November 24, 2019
And it was a sweet result for Simon Costelow and family, who turned out in their droves to watch son Sam make his European debut – and a crucial try-saving tackle in the final quarter of the game.
“The tackle was awesome from where we were sitting,” declared a proud Simon, surrounded by the families and friends of some of the club’s other academy products.
“He put everything in it, and thankfully there was just enough pressure to get the winger’s foot into touch!
“The boy’s done really well, and we’re all really proud of him.
“It’s great to see him – and all the other lads – getting a bit of game time in front of family and friends. A really good evening.”
