Leicester Tigers beat Gloucester 38-31 at Mattioli Woods Park, securing their first home win of the season. The Duke of Sussex was in attendance, with Karl Dickson officiating.
The start of the match was unfavourable for the home side. Ten minutes in, Leicester were trailing 14-0, with Billy Searle receiving a yellow card in the second minute for a high tackle. Gloucester’s first try was scored by Jac Morgan, with Dian Berchich adding a second.
Leicester gradually worked their way back into the contest. Finn Russell, Joe Cokanasiga and Jamie George scored tries in the first half, which ended 21-14 to Leicester. In the second half, Aaron Wainwright recorded his first try for the club, as did Ollie Hassell-Collins. Hassell-Collins and Adam Radshaw combined for a try on the left wing.
Gloucester responded with tries from Will Joseph and Jack Nowell in the 79th minute, while George North took a penalty in the 82nd minute. Despite the defeat, Gloucester earned two bonus points and remained top of the table. Leicester retained the Slater Cup, a trophy in honour of former Gloucester and Leicester captain Ed Slater, who retired in 2022 following a motor neurone disease diagnosis.
Referee Karl Dickson did not award a penalty try to Gloucester, while Freddie Steward received a yellow card for offside. Tom White made a tackle that prevented a try from Will Joseph, while Tommy Reffell cleared the ball from the hands of the centre. Searle took a 50-22 kick.
Geoff Parling, head coach of Leicester Tigers, spoke to BBC Radio Leicester, while George Skivington, head coach of Gloucester, spoke to BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
