Chris Ashton admits even he thought time was running out to reach 100 Premiership tries.

Speaking after the Gallagher Premiership victory over Exeter Chiefs, in which he scored a hat-trick and brought up the milestone, Ashton was a wide-smiling Tiger.

"I am obviously very happy to have got to the century, very happy to have achieved this goal," said Ashton.

"There was only two games I had to do it, in my head, and have struggled to get myself out on the field recently. That has been tough.

"Wiggy gave me this chance today, gave me the shot and I went for it. Maybe the pressure of knowing I might not have another chance helped?

"It was a great feeling, I am so grateful to have got there and proud to have done it."

Speaking about the game, Ashton said: "We left a few out there in the first half I thought."

"Aside from last week, we have been great for the past two months and got back to what makes us what we are.

"This group is a unique group of players, who just get on with the job and we did that in the second half today which was great."

Looking back on the week, in which he announced this season would be his last in the game, he admitted to having been overwhelmed by the spotlight.

"I have had an overwhelming week with the retirement and so many messages from people, so many nice messages," he said.

"But, I just had to make it a normal week and get ready for the game. I didn't come expecting to get the hundred but obviously wanted it.

"My motivation is what it has always been, scoring tries for the team and today was no different."

On his teammates and there part in helping him achieve the 100 Premiership try milestone, the outside back couldn't speak highly enough of his fellow Leicester Tigers players.

"This group have been right behind me, trying to help and supporting me as best they can," said Ashton.

"They know how desperate I was to get it and I am very grateful for this group, for all they have done for me and the way they celebrated it with me today."