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Rugby Union

Late show from Tigers is enough to sink Gloucester

18/05/2008

A late drop goal from Andy Goode put reigning champions Leicester into the Guinness Premiership final after a 26-25 win over Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Goode slotted over his effort in injury time as the Tigers reach their fourth successive final, setting up a showdown against Wasps at Twickenham on May 31st.

Gloucester, who topped the regular Premiership season for a third time in six seasons, once again blew it despite the efforts of Ryan Lamb who kicked 17 points.

The home side led 12-3 at the break thanks to Lamb kicking four penalties. A disjointed Leicester were reduced to 13 men after number eight Jordan Crane and scrum-half Harry Ellis were sin-binned.

But the Tigers fought back in the second-half tries starting with a try from wing Alesana Tuilagi. Gloucester regained their nine-point lead when James Simpson Daniel crashed over.

Leicester went ahead for the first time when centre Aaron Mauger crossed the line with Goode adding the extras.

The home side looked to have snatched victory when full-back Willie Walker booted over a drop goal in the 78h minute, before Goode's heroics.

Leicester become the first away side to win a Guinness Premiership semi-final in the six-year history of the playoffs.