RUGBY UNION: TIGER TIM HAS EDGE

LEICESTER sent out another "hands off our title" warning to the Zurich Premiership after beating Wasps in a war of attrition.

Having disposed of Saracens last Sunday to claim their first away win of the season, the four-time champions edged a real forward battle in appalling conditions.

The match came down to the boot of two players, Tigers' Tim Stimpson, who kicked three penalties from six, and Wasps' Mark Van Gisbergen, who landed two from three.

Leicester coach Dean Richards said: "It was a lottery. I was confident we were the better team but I was always concerned in case Wasps got into our half and got a penalty." Leicester's victory maintained the pressure on leaders Gloucester and extended their unbeaten league run at home to an astonishing 56 games.

There was always a chance yesterday that Wasps might nick a victory with a breakaway try but in truth their forwards came off second best and were nearly always on the back foot.

The Tigers, who were without England players Austin Healey and Lewis Moody, had perhaps the only try-scoring opportunity of the game.

And that came as early as the first minute following a towering up and under by Geordan Murphy, but the chance was squandered when Tigers were penalised for crossing near the line.

After that the forwards slugged it out like two heavyweight boxers and every Tigers attack was met with fierce resistance.

Disappointed Wasps supremo Warren Gatland said: "It was an opportunity missed."

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