Leicester Tigers Development XV have fallen to Nottingham in tonight’s fixture at the Bay in front of a superb crowd at the home of the Archers.

A youthful Leicester side showed plenty of fight and willingness to defend, but the seasoned Nottingham team proved too strong in the end.

Nottingham’s experience and intent to play with width was evident from the off, though after 20 minutes, either team had yet to register their first score.

Eventually Nottingham’s pressure turned to point, and the Archers scored their opening try off the back of a maul.

Nottingham continued to have the better of the running, but Tigers’ young side were up for the fight, repeatedly sending the Archers away from their score zone and the score would remain 5-0 at the break.

Tigers’ excellent resolve would be undone after half time however, as Nottingham doubled their lead inside a minute.

Leicester grew into the game in the following period, working their way into Nottingham’s half but a try wouldn’t come and the Archers crossed for a third in the 65th minute, Jack Shine finishing off a lovely move.

After defending stoutly for 70 minutes, Tigers energy levels were bound to dip and Nottingham showed their class in the last five minutes, scoring another couple of tries to make it 27-0 at full-time.