Prem Rugby Cup
Leicester Tigers (19) 34
Tries: Moro (2), Whiteley, Wand, Allan. Pen: Searle Cons: Searle (3)
Northampton Saints (15) 22
Tries: Van der Mescht (2), Scola Cons: Furbank, Pater Drop goal: Furbank
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Two tries from Argentina international Joaquin Moro helped Leicester to a Prem Rugby Cup derby victory over Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
The number eight struck twice in the first half to give the home side a 19-15 interval lead and the Tigers pulled away in the second half to solidify their position at the top of Pool B.
Northampton scored two tries in the space of five first-half minutes through giant South African JJ van der Mescht – all 6ft 7in and 23st of him – but struggled to get their handling game going in greasy conditions.
The loss of a dazed George Hendy seven minutes from full-time after a collision with Moro capped a disappointing night for Saints.
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The main positive for Northampton was the sight of George Furbank coming through his first full 80 minutes for almost a year.
The 29-year-old, who had his enhanced England elite player squad contract extended by Steve Borthwick in August, looked sharp at stand-off, taking a leaf out of George Ford’s book by dropping a first-half goal.
George Furbank has endured a tough year through injury [Getty Images]
He could do nothing to stop the Tigers making it four wins out of four in the competition, however.
Leicester struck through Moro inside two minutes after Northampton failed to deal with a high ball and he then burrowed his way over with the last play of the first half.
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Scrum-half Tom Whiteley also crossed before the break, taking advantage of a thunderous scrum from a Tigers’ pack anchored by former Saints tight-head Tarek Haffar.
Tigers added a fourth try just before the hour mark after a breakout try from their own 22 instigated by Billy Searle and finished by Will Wand.
Ollie Allan’s try three minutes from time rendered Oliver Scola’s late consolation for Saints meaningless.
Leicester Tigers: Bailey; Crowley, Wand, Woodward, Mercer; Searle, Whiteley; Haffar, Clare, Loman, Henderson, Thompson, Palmer, Reffell, Moro.
Replacements: Theobald-Thomas, van der Flier, Kofe, Wells, T Manz, J Manz, Allan, Titcombe.
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Northampton Saints: Hendy; Sleightholme, Litchfield, Thame, Caqusau; Furbank, Weimann; West, Wright, Green, Munga, van der Mescht, Kemeny, Brown, Graham.
Replacements: Smith, Scola, Kundiona, Prowse, Chick, Pugh, Lumley, Pater.
Referee: Hamish Smales.
