Leicester's proud unbeaten home record was finally brought to an end on Saturday
when Bristol sent the Tigers crashing to their first defeat in domestic
competition at Welford Road since December 1997.
And the Shoguns' domination of the game was just as emphatic as the scoreline
suggests with Leicester, who were gunning for a repeat of last season's treble,
made to look anything but invincible.
With next Saturday's Heineken Cup final looming, Tigers chief Dean Richards
rested England's Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Tim Stimpson for this play-off
quarter-final, but there was still a generous sprinkling of internationals
throughout the Leicester line-up.
Had Richards named a full-strength side, though, it is doubtful Bristol would
have been denied their place in the Zurich Championship semi finals.
Overnight rain had left the pitch in a poor state and it was the Shoguns who
best adapted to the conditions, employing a mixture of forward power and
three-quarter invention to breach their opponents' leaky defence.
Argentina fly-half Felipe Contepomi orchestrated Leicester's downfall with a
virtuoso display - he booted 12 points and helped set up all three of Bristol's
first-half tries.
Provided with a steady stream of quality possession thanks to the Shoguns'
marauding pack, he marshalled his back line expertly with David Rees, Jamie
Williams and Michael Lipman all crossing.
In reply, the shell-shocked Tigers could muster only a converted try and two
penalties from Andy Goode, leaving the small crowd of 4,771 to reflect on where
it had all gone wrong for Dean Richards' men.
Perhaps an early omen for the afternoon's outcome was set as early as the
second minute with the departure of winger Leon Lloyd.
Lloyd, who had never been on a losing Tigers side at Welford Road in 47
appearances, was left spread-eagled for several minutes after a heavy collision
with Rees before he was stretchered off.
However, Leicester appeared to put Lloyds' injury behind them with an early
foray into Bristol territory.
After several phases of play, England utility back Austin Healey - starting at
scrum-half for the Tigers - came up with the ball with Freddie Tuilagi outside
him. But, with the line beckoning and just Lee Best to beat, he failed to time
his pass correctly.
Contepomi and Goode exchanged penalties in the only scores of a largely dull
opening quarter which was being hampered by a succession of injuries and errors.
But Bristol winger Rees brought the game to life in the 24th minute when he
gathered up Contepomi's pass before side-stepping his way over the line.
It was a neat finish from the former England flyer and he nearly threatened
again shortly after, only for his chip to roll tantalising out of reach.
The rain took its toll on the pitch, with several parts covered in water and
this was making handling difficulty.
Both teams looked happy to boot the ball out of danger, but the Shoguns were
winning the kicking game as they spent long periods camped in Leicester's half.
One Bristol attack looked promising but Contepomi's up-and-under sailed
harmlessly into the stands.
However, the Argentine helped set up the Shoguns' second try when he passed to
Best who flicked possession on to centre Williams five metres out from
Leicester's line and he took full advantage of the stretched defence to dive in
at the corner.
Contepomi slotted the extras to add to his conversion of Rees' try.
Goode reduced the deficit with a penalty but flanker Michael Lipman rounded
off a miserable half for the Tigers when he crossed after a slashing run from
Contepomi, who stroked over the extras.
Bristol's lead was stretched to 27-6 seven minutes after the break courtesy of
a Contepomi penalty, but just as it seemed the floodgates were about to open,
Leicester finally started to show some form.
They laid siege to the visitors' line through a succession of scrums but the
Shoguns weathered the storm and eventually came up with the ball, which was
cleared to safety.
However, save for Goode's injury time try, Leicester failed to threaten again
as Bristol ended a proud record and kept alive their hopes of qualifying for
next season's Heineken Cup.
Teams
Leicester: Billig, Lloyd, Smith, Kafer,
Tuilagi, Goode, Healey,
Rowntree, West, Nebbett, Deacon, Kay, Moody, Kronfeld, Corry.
Replacements: Naylor for Lloyd (6), Gelderbloom for Smith (72),
Hamilton for Healey (56), Freshwater for Rowntree (67),
Cockerill for West (66), W. Johnson for Kronfeld (79).
Not Used: Short.
Tries: Goode.
Cons: Goode.
Pens: Goode 2.
Bristol: Best, Rees, Williams, Little, Christophers, Contepomi,
Pichot, Crompton, McCarthy, E. Bergamaschi, Sturnham, A. Brown,
Short, Lipman, Brownrigg.
Replacements: Carrington for Williams (80),
Payne for Crompton (71), C. Morgan for Short (80).
Not Used: Roland, Oakley, Blake, Heyward.
Tries: Rees, Williams, Lipman.
Cons: Contepomi 3.
Pens: Contepomi 2.
Att: 4,771
Ref: Chris White (RFU).
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