Leicester Tigers secured a convincing 34-24 victory over Gloucester at Villa Park on Saturday, retaining the Slater Cup in a match that was decided by a blistering first-quarter performance. Jamie Blamire scored two tries as Leicester raced into a 22-0 lead within the opening 20 minutes.
Gloucester, making their first appearance at the Premier League football ground, were caught cold as tries from Will Wand, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, and two from Blamire put Tigers firmly in control. The bonus-point try arrived in the 16th minute, and despite Billy Searle missing all three conversions, Leicester led 22-0 after a one-sided first quarter.
Gloucester rallied before half-time through a try from Matias Alemanno, but Orlando Bailey crossed for Leicester’s fifth try on the stroke of half-time, and Searle’s conversion gave the Tigers a 29-5 lead at the break. Further tries from Will Joseph and Dian Bleuler reduced the deficit, but a late score from Harry Wells sealed the win for Leicester.
The victory keeps Leicester in third place in the Premiership, while Gloucester remain with only two league wins in 12 matches this season. The Slater Cup, named after former player Ed Slater who has motor neurone disease, remains with the Tigers after this emphatic derby triumph.
