As the Tigers faithful prepared for the annual pilgrimage to Twickenham the newspapers made worrying reading as all the pundits were in agreement, the Tigers pack just wouldn’t get any ball for the talented backs to play with.

Gosforth would simply steamroller the Tigers attempt to win the trophy for the third year in succession, and destroy their hopes of getting to keep it for good in the Centenary season. The only quote from Welford Rd was from Peter Wheeler –“It’s our cup, and they’ve got to take it from us.”

The Tigers had reached the final by beating Roundhay (now Leeds) 34 – 3, Bristol 27 – 14, and Sale 21 – 7. The semi-final had been a classic with two Les Cusworth drop goals in extra time clinching an 18 – 12 win over London Scottish. Gosforth had looked dangerous all through the year, and had beaten Fylde, Waterloo, Nottingham and the much fancied Moseley in the semi-final to reach Twickenham as strong favourites.

Tigers were led out by Robin Cowling in his last match for the Tigers and it seemed that the emotion of the occasion and the spur of being written off had fired the Leicester pack as against expectations the Tigers applied early pressure to the Gosforth line. A scrum to Gosforth in their own half was turned over by a mighty shove, the ball was moved wide and the Northeners defence was forced to concede a penalty coolly slotted over by Dusty Hare. (Tigers 3 – Gosforth 0)

The kick off by Gosforth was collected by Cusworth, who made a long clearance deep into the opposition half. Although the Gosforth pack was taking the lion’s share of line out possession, Tigers speed of thought and deed was superior. Wheeler charged down a clearance kick to set up a series of scrums for the Tigers.

Three times the ball was spun out to the centres, and the Tigers recycled, or gained the put in for the scrum. Finally, the Gosforth defence drifted wide too early and Kenney pivoted and touched down for the try, which was converted easily by Hare. (Tigers 9 – Gosforth 0)

Finally Gosforth began to get into the game as the possession from the line out began to tell on the Leicester defence. The Tigers forwards strayed around the wrong side and David Johnson, the fly half kicked the first points for his team. (Tigers 9 – Gosforth 3)

As half time approached the Tigers discipline began to weaken as the pressure of being unable to take any line out ball began to tell. Peter Wheeler managed to get on the wrong side in a ruck and paid the price in a shoeing and a penalty. Johnson stepped up again to score on half time. (Tigers 12 – Gosforth 6)

The second half began badly for Leicester as another penalty conceded at the line out gave the long distance kicker, Patrick, the opportunity for a score, which he duly took. (Tigers 12 – Gosforth 9)

The match then went into a period of attrition as the Leicester forwards stuck to their task and refused to give further ground to their bigger opponents, gradually the superior fitness of the Tigers, and the early toll the Tigers had taken on the opposition pack by moving them around began to tell, and the Tigers began to regain the ascendancy.

A couple of clean balls from the ruck, a foot of space for the magician Cusworth who handed the ball on to Woodward, who drew the tackle and slipped the ball on to Barnwell with only the full back to beat. The trade mark outside in side stepped dealt with the defender and the try was scored. Uncharacteristically the conversion was missed by Hare (Tigers 16 – Gosforth 9)

The game had now swung entirely Leicester’s way, with the Northerners needing to score quickly, but without the ammunition in the backs to do it, and with a visibly tiring pack. Instead of the come back, the Tigers began to apply yet more pressure. Again Cusworth was given an inch of space, he made the pass to Dusty Hare coming into the line, who chipped through and won the race to the touchdown. Dusty converting his own try to make the match safe. (Tigers 22 – Gosforth 9)

As injury time approached Steve Johnson decided he was injured (and managed to convince the RFU doctor the same – no tactical substitutes in those days) to allow Angus Collington, the popular number 8 who had sat on the bench in all three finals and who had played in every round until the final, to get a taste of the Twickenham atmosphere.

There was still time for Gosforth to score a consolation try (scored by Cunningham and converted by Johnson) against the by now relaxed Tigers, but the result was never in doubt. Final score Tigers 22 – Gosforth 15.

After the game Chalkie Whites verdict was “the finest team Leicester have had in a century.”

The John Player Cup was ours to keep, and history was made. Who would have thought we’d have to wait until 1988 for our next piece of silverware? But that’s another story.

O Dusty Hare
N Tim Barnwell
M Clive Woodward
L Paul Dodge
K Kevin Williams
J Les Cusworth
I Steve Kenney
A Robin Cowling
B Peter Wheeler (Capt)
C Steve Redfern
D Nick Joyce
E Nick Jackson
F Steve Johnson
G Gary Adey
H Ian (Dosser) Smith

2 May 1981
Tigers 22 – Gosforth 15
Kenney T, Barnwell T, Hare T, 2C, 3P

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