Leicester's lap of honour

Courage League: Potter leads the way as Tigers celebrate their title triumph but Northampton fall through the trap door

THIS, so far as Leicester were concerned, was a day for inscribing silverware rather than for glittering rugby. From the way their supporters welcomed them on to the field the Courage Championship was as good as won, even before Bath's defeat yesterday. For those flag-waving celebrants, at least, there was no doubt. And for the first quarter of the match there was every indication that Leicester would not only secure the trophy they last won in 1988 and which has been booked for the display cabinet since their victory over Bath, but that they would do so in a manner worthy of their status.

Stuart Potter's try after six minutes was as audacious and exhilarating as any seen at Welford Road all season. Leicester won the ball inside their own half, Jez Harris put Richard Robinson away with a long pass and Wayne Kilford, acting as the link, sent Potter over for the try. That, as far as the good rugby was concerned, was just about all there was. Nor did Bristol succeed in turning the match into anything resembling a close contest. John Liley, who kicked three penalties, had the pure luxury of missing with five in addition to the failed conversion of Potter's try.

The absence of so many top players, five from Leicester and four from Bristol, inevitably had its effect on the quality of the rugby which, for most of the match, was dire. Behind the warring packs neither set of half-backs could give shape or coherence to the play and, if Leicester's midfield was not exactly a haven of wit and invention, it was a positive oasis compared to the aridity of Bristol's back play. The simple pass, overlaid with heavy spin, has been turned into an exploding shell for the unfortunate recipients and is the curse of the modern game. Both sides were guilty in this respect.

Not that Leicester's fanatical supporters could have cared a hoot. Their pack was so thoroughly in command against Bristol's gargantuan but naive forwards that the result was a formality. Matt Poole, cast in the role of principal jumper in the absence of his second-row partner Martin Johnson, discharged his responsibilities most capably, winning a number of crucial balls in the first half. It was from one of his kicks that Harris dropped the goal which helped give Leicester an unassailable half-time lead.

Dean Richards, confirmed as captain for next season, was once again a colossal influence and the name the crowd was chanting long after the trophy presentation ritual lap of honour. Early on he was easily out-manoeuvred by Ian Patten at the tail of the line-out, but long before the end he had solved the problem, always the steadying influence in times of stress.

Not that there were many of those for Leicester. Apart from the combative Derek Eves, Bristol were easily contained, their most infuriating weapon being the frequency with which they infringed the offside law. Somehow the legislators must come to grips with policing this area or the very lifeblood will be sucked out of the game. The sharpest of the attacking moves, such as they were, came from Leicester but Steve Hackney, the fastest man on the field, was restricted to one pass throughout the match.

But Leicester will very properly be judged not on this one game, but on the consistent excellence of their performances throughout this, the toughest of all seasons. And on that they are the very worthy champions.

Leicester: J Liley; S Hackney, R Robinson, S Potter, W Kilford; J Harris, A Kardooni; D Jelley, R Cockerill, D Garforth, P Grant, M Poole, J Wells, W Drake-Lee, D Richards (capt).

Bristol: P Hull; D John, N Smith, M Denney, G Sharp; M Tainton, M Chudleigh; A Ozdemir, M Regan, D Hinkins, G Archer, M Fountaine, R Armstrong, D Eves (capt), I Patten.

Referee: J Wallis (Somerset).