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Rugby Union

Gutsy Leicester beat Toulouse

08/12/2007

Leicester Tigers claimed a hard fought 14-9 win over French giants Toulouse at Welford Road today.

Ollie Smith scored the only try of the game and three penalties from Andy Goode led Leicester to the win which sees them climb to second in pool six, a point behind leaders Toulouse.

The French side are known for their free-flowing attacking style of rugby, but the wet conditions made the ground soggy and stopped them from playing their natural game.

But they still managed to keep hold of the ball well, without really threatening the Leicester try-line. And all they had to show for their possession was a Valentin Courrent penalty.

Toulouse were ultimately punished for their attempts to play attacking rugby when a mistake from Clement Poitrenaud allowed Smith to score a try. Poitrenaud was under pressure in his own 22 and a wild pass fell to Smith on the wing and he ran in to give his side the lead. Goode failed to add the two points.

The Leicester forwards started to take control of the ball and pushed Toulouse back. Their good work led to a penalty which Goode calmly converted.

But Courrent kicked a drop goal to make sure his team only went in 8-6 down at half-time.

Toulouse, the only three-time Heineken Cup winners, came out the stronger side in the second-half and took the lead through a Courrent penalty.

But as the rain continued to lash down, the pitch cut up even more and Toulouse made more errors. Leicester capitalised on the mistakes and Goode kicked to more penalties to give his side a five point lead.

Leicester hanged on for the win, but were lucky when Vincent Clerc's try was ruled out for a forward pass.