Rugby Union: Dean still aiming at play-offs for Tigers

LEICESTER director of rugby Dean Richards refused to rule his side out of a play-off place after a narrow win over Leeds Tykes at Welford Road.

The victory leapfrogged the Tigers over Leeds into fourth place in the Zurich Premiership and with a home game against London Irish to come next week, they will be confident of staying there.

It was a much-needed win for the Tigers, who had lost four of the last five games - including the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat by Munster which ended their hopes of a European hat-trick.

But they were made to fight all the way by a Leeds side who harbour European ambitions of their own. It was tight from beginning to end with never more than six points in it at any one stage.

With Leicester hoping on Wasps or Sale collapsing in the championship run-in, there is still an outside chance of them making the play-offs and defending the Zurich Premiership title they have won for the last four years.

But if they don't make it, at least yesterday's win gives them a chance of securing a fourth place and automatic qualification for next season's Heineken Cup.

Richards said: "Third place would be great. It's still a possibility. If Sale lose, there is still an opportunity for us. We will have to wait and see."

It's been a disappointing season for the Tigers who, baring a miracle, will end up with no silverware for the first time in Richards' five-year reign. That would mark the end of an era which has seen the Tigers win seven trophies in four seasons - four league titles, two European Cups and a play-off final.

Yesterday was all about winning and while the game was far from pretty, Leicester hung on to gain a valuable four points.

"We are happy to come through it," said Richards. "With the amount of injuries and disruptions we have had, we needed to win and we did."

The Tigers were without ten regulars through injury but still just about deserved a victory even though Leeds scored the only try.

That came in the first half from a Tigers error, winger George Harder running on to a chip ahead after a Tigers counter-attack had broken down.

Leeds' South African centre Braam van Straaten's missed conversion proved crucial in the end but he could not be blamed for the defeat, as he kicked four penalties, including a monster from 57 metres.

All Leicester's points came from the boot, Steve Booth kicking five penalties before being stretchered off with an ankle injury, and Craig McMullen one as his replacement.

The Tigers even survived a tricky 10-minute spell in the second half when they were down to 14 men after flanker Martin Corry was sin- binned for a punch-up with opposite number Cameron Mather.

Leeds, who are also vying for a place in Europe next season, felt they should have won the game.

"We had the opportunity to do the double over Leicester and we missed it so we are disappointed," said prop Matt Holt.

"The chances were there and we are not happy with ourselves.

"We felt like we had them out there, but not many teams come away from here with a point so we are pleased with that.

"There is a belief in the team right now that we can beat anyone in the competition on our day and the battle for fourth place is a long way from being over."

LEICESTER Pens: Booth 5, Mullen.

LEEDS Try: Harder. Pens; Van Straaten 5.

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