Wasps stung by Tigers again

Leicester 35 Wasps 27

Heineken Cup holders Wasps are facing an early European exit after arch rivals Leicester took the sting out of them for a second successive game.

Tigers, tournament winners in 2001 and 2002, remain on course to land a third European title following an impressive Welford Road triumph – a week after their epic away success against Wasps.

Leicester will win pool one if they beat remaining opponents Biarritz and Calvisano early in the new year, but Lawrence Dallaglio’s Wasps are now relying on other results working for them.

Clinching one of two best runners-up spots appears their only realistic quarter-final hope, and even that outside chance depends on them winning in Biarritz next month.

Leicester have no such worries following another Andy Goode goal-kicking masterclass.

The fly-half, who amassed 22 points last weekend, added another 20 this time - booting six penalties, one from inside his own half, and a conversion.

Tigers also scored three tries, all in the first half – from scrum-half Harry Ellis, hooker George Chuter and wing Leon Lloyd.

Wasps matched them in that department – wing Tom Voyce, flanker Joe Worsley and prop Will Green touching down – but the visitors never got to within striking distance.

Wasps full-back Mark Van Gisbergen was allowed only two penalty kicks at goal - he kicked eight last Sunday – and Leicester’s watertight discipline proved significant in the final reckoning.