Steward steers Leicester to victory at Bristol to boost title push

04/20/2025 12:18 PM

• Bristol 19-36 Leicester
• Tigers overhaul Bears to climb up to second

In theory it was a day for Bristol to consolidate second place and reaffirm their Premiership title credentials. The sun shone, the pitch was hard and fast and the free-scoring Bears welcomed back the inspirational wing, Gabriel Ibitoye, after a four-month injury absence. In reality, however, what materialised was a largely dominant victory for Leicester that saw them overhaul Bristol and take second place, on points difference, with four matches remaining. Michael Cheika's one-year assignment as Tigers coach will soon be over, but the possibility of him departing a Premiership champion cannot be discounted.

The memory of last December's return fixture had loomed over the buildup, when Pat Lam's side stuck 54 points on their opponents at Welford Road. "We realise there will be a bit of vengeance coming back at us," Lam told TNT Sports before kick-off. He was right. The Tigers were hurt by that festive humiliation, no doubt, but might also have reminded themselves the Bears were thrashed 38-0 at home by Sale a week later, the night that Ibitoye was injured.