By Mike Hill
January 13 2003

In beating Calvisano 40-22 Tigers qualified for the quarter finals of the European cup for the third season in succession. It was not easy and Tigers had to dig deep to quell a spirited second half fightback by the home side. Harry Ellis scored two of Tigers six tries and was instrumental in creating a crucial 23 point lead at the break. In the second half Calvisano detected a touch of complacency as Leicester cruised and outscored us 19-14. The Italians first two try's could be directly attributed to Gareth Raynor's defensive inexperience in the Union game.

If his first mistake was unfortunate as he failed to dive onto a bouncing ball kicked deep into the 22, the second was plain awful as he failed to drift to the outside man and was caught way out of position. In this period Calvisano stretched Leicester's defence well and for the first time in the match showed how they had managed to overcome Neath on this ground.

Harry started the match like an express train and galvanised the whole team into action. As in last season's semi Ellis exploited some slack defence around the fringes of the rucks and tore the Italians to pieces. The pack picked up the scent of blood and went for the kill lead forward by Zurich Player of the Month Josh Kronfeld who had another fine game until he was substituted when Ellis was sin binned for a high tackle.

George Chuter dropped on a loose ball to score the first try after the home side made a mess of a lineout. Further tries followed for Ellis, Stimpson and Booth before half time.
After Ellis had added a second at the beginning of the second period it looked as if the game might become a rout but a heavy pitch and some fresh Italian legs turned the tables. Leicester were getting anxious when Franck Tournaire was bull dozed over from the stock lineout catch and drive.

Tim Stimpson made a good contribution on his comeback and his 5 out of 6 successful kicks gave Leicester a useful cushion. Man of the Match was easy this week the youngest player on the pitch was also the best by some margin. If Harry Ellis can continue his current rate of improvement he will become an outstanding scrum half he certainly has the required desire for the game.