Heineken Rugby Cup: Leinster lose to Tigers

Leicester 29, Leinster 18

Holders Leicester knocked Leinster out of the Heineken Cup at Welford Road this afternoon.

Leinster began well and went 10 points up in the opening quarter thanks to a Denis Hickie try and two Nathan Spooner kicks.

But Neil Back and Leon Lloyd crossed before Austin Healey raced over to put the Tigers in front.

Irish international Geordan Murphy missed the first two conversions, but landed a third.

He then slotted home after he had grabbed Tigers fourth touchdown to complete a 13-minute try blitz.

Spooner landed an injury-time penalty to give his team some hope at the interval.

However, 10 minutes into the second half Neil Back went over for his second try of the game.

Leinster battled and Willis pulled a try back for the away side.

Leicester were down to 14 men for the final 10 minutes after a sin-binning and Leinster staged a brave comeback effort but the Zurich Premiership leaders held out for the win.