Pez sparks Leicester comeback

By Mike Hill
September 29 2003

Tigers produced a remarkable second half performance to beat Newcastle Falcons by 28 points to 21 despite being 15 points behind approaching half time. Ramiro Pez's try just before the interval proved the turning point as the Falcons self-destructed in the second half.

Playing with pace, power and precision Newcastle dominated the first forty minutes and took their chances well. Tries from Warren Britz and Michael Stephenson coupled with two penalties from Gollings gave Newcastle an impressive 18 - 3 lead before Pez started the revival.

It could have been a different story if Daryl Gibson's interception, early on in the first half had led to a try. Newcastle had been quick to bring the Kiwi down but support was on hand from first Lloyd and then Pez who failed to find Kronfeld with the crucial pass. Spurning such a good opportunity seemed to depress the team and the Falcons started to control the game through their forward superiority.

A powerful surge from a five-metre lineout rumbled infield as Tigers scrambled to defend their line but eventually numbers ran out and Britz crashed over close to the posts. Minutes later Stephenson did brilliantly well to pick up a pass off his bootlaces and scorch over in the corner.

At this point I couldn't see Tigers getting back into the match but Pez's charge down of Mayerhofler's clearance and subsequent dash for the line made all the difference. Tigers entered half time only eight points behind and with their tails up. This side seem to be comeback specialists the trend started pre season at Sale and Cardiff and this game was more of the same with a vastly improved second half performance.

Tigers missed a lot of first up tackles early in this game and that gave Newcastle momentum but after the break they tightened the midfield defence in particular and the forwards gained parity. Chuter started hitting his jumpers and this gave a decent platform to launch our backs. Stimpson kicked a penalty before John Holtby showed great pace as he stormed fifty metres down the left touchline to score in the corner. Tim had managed a first half penalty from inside his own half but the conversion that followed Holtby's try was right on the touch line and even more impressive.

Tigers were now in the lead for the first time in the game and Newcastle started to lose their cool as the pressure built. In the first half Andrews, Archer and Vyvyan had bullied the Leicester eight and their physicality was paying dividends. However as Tigers relatively inexperienced side grew in confidence they seemed to overstep the line into thuggery and were punished by referee Rowden.

Andrews was first into the bin having ignored an earlier warning and by the time Vyvyan followed suit six minutes later the Falcons had completely lost the plot and with it the game. Faced with only six forwards Tigers predictably opted for a driving maul and James Hamilton managed to smash over for his first try for the club. By the time Andrews and Vyvyan returned to the fray Leicester had a ten point lead and despite intense late pressure held on for the win. Gollings kicked a penalty to give the visitors a bonus point which is no more than they deserved for their efforts.

My choice of Man of the Match this week is Louis Deacon for his excellent contribution to a pack that was mostly on the back foot. That he coped well with players of the calibre of Andrews and Acher is reason enough and he seems to be stepping up to a more senior role with relish. Another player worthy of a special mention is Ramiro Pez who recovered well after a shaky start and in the second half directed the back line better than anyone since Stransky. Well done also to Balding on his return to action for providing some much needed power in the back row against a strong Falcons eight.

Next week sees Sale visit Welford Road. They are a side struggling at present after last season's late dip has carried over into this. With only a draw against Northampton and two losses to their name they will be desperate to get a win under their belts. Let's hope their recovery is postponed for another week.

Tigers v Newcastle Falcons

26 September, 2003 - KO 19:45

Official Attendance 16,815

Time		Tigers	Falcons	Score
		First Half
3	Pen		Gollings	0-3
8	Pen	Stimpson		3-3
13	Sub Blood Bin	Healey(20) on for Gibson(12)
21		Gibson returns from Blood Bin
22	Try		Britz	3-8
23	Conv		Gollings	3-10
27	Try		Stephenson	3-15
36	Pen		Gollings	3-18
43	Try	Pez (WR debut)		8-18
43	Conv	Stimpson		10-18
		Second Half
2	Pen	Stimpson		13-18
4	Try	Holtby		18-18
5	Conv	Stimpson		20-18
6	Sin Bin	-	Andrews(3)	-
11	Pen	Stimpson		23-18
15	Sin Bin	-	Vyvyan(8)	-
16	Try	Hamilton (WR debut)		28-18
21	Sub		Ward(16) on for Hurter(3)
22	Pen		Gollings	28-21
23	Sub	Tuilgi H (19) on for Balding(8)
26
30	Sub	Vesty(21) on for Pez(10)
32	Sub		Hamilton C (18) on for Archer(4)
40	Sub	Healey(20 on for Ellis(9)
42	Sub	Skinner(22) on for Tuilagi H(19)
42	Sub		Dowson(20) on for Dunbar(6)

Final score: Leicester Tigers 28 Newcastle Falcons 21

Referee: Ashley Rowden

Touch Judges: Rob Mills and Lloyd Jackson