Gloucester got off to a flyer against the European and English champions with
12 points inside the first 12 minutes.
But it was all to no avail as Leicester's quality told in the second half when
they introduced their quartet of Lions and ran in four tries.
It was the boot of French newcomer Ludovic Mercier that turned early
Gloucester pressure into points. Gloucester's posts have recently been
heightened to account for Mercier's high-flying kicks but there was never any
doubt about the validity of the first four kicks.
Tim Stimpson had given Leicester a first-minute lead with a penalty.
Thereafter Gloucester squandered try-scoring chances via Terry Fanolua and
Jake Boer with Stimpson producing a superb tackle to keep out Daren O'Leary.
As Leicester improved towards half-time, Lewis Moody almost went over and then
Gordon Murphy was denied only by a forward pass.
Stimpson wasted another penalty but ended the half with a successful kick.
Mercier added another penalty in the second half but rather than giving his side
the advantage it simply served to transform Leicester, especially when Austin
Healey, Martin Corry, Martin Johnson and Neil Beck came on.
The side grew in confidence and used the wind to push Gloucester down.
Lewis Moody turned the game with two solo tries and Andy Goode also made a
dramatic contribution with two long ranged drop goals - one from well inside his
own half.
Steve Booth's impact was also immense. He had only been on for a minute when
he ended heavy Leicester pressure with another try but the best try was reserved
for the last minute when Gordon Murphy danced past four Gloucester defenders to
seal the game for Leicester.
Stimpson converted all four tries with Gloucester's only contribution
through a lone Mercier penalty.
Teams:
Gloucester: Woodman, Azam, Vickery, Fidler, Eustace, Boer,
Hazell, Paramore, Yachvili, Mercier, Albanese, Fanolua, Ewens,
O'Leary, Stoica, Collazo, Fortey, Cornwell.
Replacements: Collazo for Woodman (62),
Collazo for Vickery (9), Cornwell for Fidler (41),
Cornwell for Paramore (46), Gomarsall for Yachvili (63),
Vickery for Collazo (14), Azam for Fortey (70),
Fidler for Cornwell (45).
Not Used: Mannix, Simpson-Daniel, Fortey, Forrester.
Pens: Mercier 6.
Leicester: Rowntree, West, Garforth, Deacon, Kay, Gustard,
Moody, Short, Ellis, Goode, Tuilagi, Kafer, Gelderbloom,
Murphy, Stimpson.
Replacements: M. Johnson for Deacon (60),
Back for Gustard (57), Corry for Short (57),
Healey for Ellis (57), Booth for Tuilagi (67).
Not Used: Chuter, Jelley.
Tries: Moody 2, Booth, Murphy.
Cons: Stimpson 4.
Pens: Stimpson 2.
Drop Goals: Goode 2.
Att: 9,729
Ref: Robin Goodlife (RFU).
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