Tries from Dan Hipkiss and Sam Vesty gave Leicester Tigers a 14-0 lead at half-time of today's Guinness Premiership semi-final against Bath Rugby at the Walkers Stadium.

Hipkiss made early Tigers’ pressure pay when he put the home side ahead in the 17th minute. Jordan Crane made the hard yards before Hipkiss stepped through the Bath defence to score behind the posts.

Tigers enjoyed large amounts of possession and territory and Johne Murphy, Ben Kay and Hipkiss all went close to extending the lead.

But they did add a second try with half-time approaching when Vesty stepped off his left foot and darted through a gap to score under the posts. Dupuy, who missed with his first penalty of the game, kicked both conversions.

Tigers were forced into a late change to the team when Aaron Mauger was ruled out through injury. Hipkiss moved to 12 with Ayoola Erinle came in at inside centre.

England international Toby Flood was also ruled out after suffering an Achilles injury in the Heineken Cup semi-final with Vesty taking his place at fly-half.