Ford drives Leeds to victory

Ford: Scored 18 points for hosts

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Leeds made it two wins on the spin in all competitions with a hard-fought 28-17 triumph in their LV= Cup clash with Leicester at Headingley.

Neil Back's side, who finally registered a victory in the Guinness Premiership on the previous weekend against Wasps, came out on top against a weakened Tigers line-up, managing three tries to their opponents' two.

The result meant Joe Ford, who excelled on his debut at fly-half with 18 points, could enjoy bragging rights over younger brother George, who was playing in the same position for the visitors.

The two siblings traded early penalties before Joe, 19, kicked Leeds in front and then managed to get off the end of a flowing move to score the game's opening try.

Although he was off target with his first conversion he did manage to add the extras when winger Scott Armstrong dived over in the left corner.

Healthy lead

With a healthy 25-3 lead at the break, Leeds looked set to win at a canter.

However the sin-binning of former Leicester prop Alex Moreno gave his old employers a glimmer of hope that they soon seized upon.

The Tigers capitalised on their man advantage when Tom Armes burrowed his way over for a try which George Ford, playing in the first team at the tender age of 16, converted.

A Joe Ford penalty gave Leeds a little breathing space, though, and they were soon grateful for the three points when flanker Calum Clark became the second home player to be yellow carded.

Will Hurrell capitalised on some flimsy defending to claim the Tigers' second try but the hosts held on through to the final whistle.

The result was particularly sweet for Back, who spent seven years at Welford Road, and another Leicester old boy at Leeds, director of rugby Andy Key.