Youngs hails crucial Tigers victory

Editor

Leicester captain Ben Youngs feels a defeat in their Champions Cup opener against Ulster would have landed them in trouble already.

Leicester captain Ben Youngs feels a defeat in their European Champions Cup opener against Ulster would have landed them in trouble already.

Owen Williams, Graham Kitchener and Freddie Burns each touched down before the break to hand Leicester a 19-3 lead at Welford Road and they eventually held their determined visitors at bay to win 25-18.

Man-of-the-match Youngs admitted a try bonus point would have made the day sweeter, but he was not ready to complain after an important result.

“That’s why this competition is so good,” said the scrum-half.

“It feels like knockout rugby already.

“We felt leading up to it that you can’t lose your opening game at home so it’s a great win.

“It would’ve been lovely to get a pushover try at the end with a maul to get the bonus point but it was still a fantastic team effort.”