The Leicester Tigers Academy defeated Sale Sharks Academy 38-34 in Round 3 of their revised Under-18 League season.

Going in to the match with one win and one loss from the first two rounds, The Cubs fielded an all Under-17 starting line-up for the showdown with Sale at Loughborough University on Saturday afternoon.

The Leicester youngsters were the first to score, in the 8th minute, when second-rower Finn Carnduff crashed over, before they had a second four minutes later to fellow forward Chester Owen.

Fly-half Morgan Meredith converted the second try to see Tigers out to a 12-0 lead, which they held on to until the 25th minute when Sale scored their opener.

Both sides jostled for territory in the remaining ten minutes of the first-half, but were unable to add to their tallies seeing Tigers take a 12-5 lead in to the break.

A second try for Carnduff only two minutes in to the second-half was followed soon after by a third for the Leicester lock in the 45th minute.

Meredith converted both tries, seeing Tigers stretch their lead out to 26-5 over the Sharks youngsters.

However, the visitors hit back with two converted tries in three minutes to cut the deficit to seven points after an hour of action.

Replacement hooker Max Nolan made an impact after coming on the 45th minute, scoring twice on the back of a strong performance from the Leicester pack to take the lead out to 14 points in the final stages of the game.

A late comeback from Sale fell short after the visitors crossed for two late tries, which were converted, to see the final margin at four points, 38-34.

Speaking post-match, Tigers Academy manager David Wilks said: "We looked strong for much of the game and put some good phases of play together today."

"The forwards were powerful near the line and scored some good tries from drives, which was pleasing to see after their hard work in that area.

"We probably forced the play too much in the second half and gave away some easy points ... but the lads held on well in the end to win, which was great to see.

"This is the last game for many of our lads, who in the Under-18 category in this group, and I want to make a special mention of them and their commitment and leadership during a unique, challenging season for these young men."