Tigers roar past Warriors

Leicester Tigers scored five tries as they brushed aside Worcester at Sixways.

Pat Howard's decision to recall his 'big guns' for the EDF Energy Cup trip to Worcester paid dividends as Leicester Tigers racked up a 35-20 victory.

The Tigers, with internationals Daryl Gibson, Geordan Murphy, Louis Deacon, Ben Kay and Julian White back in the starting line-up, were always in control of the game. And with their five-try rout picking up their second successive bonus point, the Tigers have moved a giant step closer to the semi-finals.

Gibson, in particular, was in sparkling form, with the New Zealand centre crossing for two tries and playing a huge role in Leicester's incisive attacking moves.

In fact, only some desperate last-ditch tackling and some wayward passing and handling at the crucial moments prevented Leicester from dishing out a heavier defeat.

The game had started well for John Brain's Worcester side - 24-12 victors over Northampton last week - with James Brown slotting over a second-minute penalty.

However, from there on in it was all Leicester, with Ollie Smith (pictured) and Gibson combining brilliantly to put John Murphy over in the corner after just four minutes.

And although Paul Burke missed the conversion, he was on target three minutes later when Sam Vesty powered his way over - again the impressive Smith playing a key part in the try.

Burke and Brown then swapped penalties, however the Warriors were able to breathe a huge sigh of relief at the break as Leicester failed to add to their tally - despite creating numerous chances.

And when Craig Quinnell crashed over four minutes after the break - with Brown on target with the conversion - the Sixways side were given renewed hope.

But after Burke had added three points to the Leicester tally, the Tigers turned the screw through their awesome pack.

Hooker James Buckland profited from a textbook catch and drive move from a lineout - this time converted by Andy Goode - while Gibson's first try put the game out of sight.

Ben Gotting gave Worcester some consolation, with his superb run rewarded with a try converted by Brown. However, Gibson had the final word with his second try.