Leicester's slump continues.

By Mike Hill
April 21 2003

Leicester Tigers four year dominance of the English Premiership is drawing to a close and Quins put another nail in the coffin with this 17 - 9 defeat. The Tigers' slump seems to be accelerating alarmingly and there were no signs of an upturn in Saturdays performance.

Stimpson's kicking was back to normal this week and he slotted three first half penalties to give Leicester the lead 9 - 5 at half time. Quins scored a fortuitous try through Ben Gollings when he chipped the ball past Murphy and grounded the ball even though it appeared that Stimpson had already done so. Leicester turned around with a lead but into a stiff breeze in the second half Tigers challenge wilted.

Passes went astray and although Tigers had most of the posession they couldn't find a way through the Quins defence. The London side sensed that Tigers were running out of ideas and started to use the wind to drive them deep into their own half. Paul Burke controlled the game well and he soon kicked a penalty that narrowed the gap to a point.

Stimpson then missed a penalty but when Ace Tiatia was binned for killing the ball Tigers had a golden chance to take the upper hand. Leicester pressed their man advantage but failed to make inroads in the home defence and ultimately came away with nought for their efforts. Burke extended Quins lead with further penalties and a drop goal as the London side confirmed their position in next season's Premiership.

As for man of the match none of our players deserve the award but I thought Andre Vos played very well for them. Worthy of a mention was Martin Corry who did his best and put himself about and on his debut Peter Cook handled Jason Leonard well.

Leicester have now lost 4 out of their last 5 games and at this rate will struggle to qualify for next season's European cup. Fourth place will be enough but that will require us to win the next three games including home to Leeds and away to Gloucester, unlikely given the current form. The writing has been on the wall all year since the opening three away defeats and the players seem totally devoid of confidence and inspiration.

A drastic change is required if Tigers are not to be battling relegation next season. The management have to take the blame - Tigers have been predictable and poor in their execution of the basics all year. The back line has rarely gelled as a unit and the lack of experienced half backs has cost us dear.

You know you have fallen from grace when the singer in the Kings Bar after the game welcomes you to mid table mediocrity (well they should know). The game itself was lacking in skill and Tigers looked fairly disheartened throughout. Whereas last season lady luck was a season ticket holder at Welford Road this year this year she taunts us with hate mail from afar. While this is partially true you get what you deserve and this season we deserve absolutely nothing.

Deano and Peter Wheeler should spend the summer in Australia convincing Pat Howard to return to the club. In this Easter week I've become convinced that Tigers need their Messiah back if they are to ever ascend those lofty heights again.