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Half-backs revel in Tigers attack

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It was an excellent day at the office for Leicester Tigers' half-backs in the 39-18 win over Worcester Warriors at Sixways on Saturday.

Toby Flood contributed 24 points, the most points by an individual this season and his best return from a Guinness Premiership match, while scrum-half Ben Youngs scored the vital second try and his replacement James Grindal grabbed the third score.

Jeremy Staunton, playing at full-back prevented a clean-sweep by the half-backs as he scored the opening try of the afternoon – though he is better known as a fly-half and was only drafted in to the No15 shirt when Geordan Murphy failed a late fitness test.

Flood said: “It’s a good win, that’s the main thing. I thought that, collectively, the team did some good things because Worcester are a difficult team to beat here.

“Personally, I was quite happy but there were a few things I need to tidy up, I held up my hands at a few errors.”

The England fly-half, who landed nine kicks from ten attempts, saluted the work of new England international Youngs, who scored his second try of the season in the 50th minute.

“It was a very instinctive try from Ben,” he said. “He’s playing well and training well. He’s got good coaches around him, who keep working with him and I’m sure he’ll go from strength to strength.”

Youngs’ try came at an important point in the game and gave Tigers a 23-15 lead with 30 minutes remaining.

“It was thanks to the forward pack again,” he said. “And I managed to spot a little gap and it was happy days. I don’t get to score very often, I think it was my second one of the season so I am just happy to cross over.”

Staunton, who stepped in at full-back in the absence of Murphy, got the ball rolling with the opening try of the game in the 13th minute.

“I think the last time I played at 15 I was three stone heavier and 10 years younger!” Staunton said. “I think it was for Ireland or even with Munster in the European Cup but it is a long time ago.”