Leicester turn on the class

THE gulf in standard between the top English and Irish clubs was again underlined in this friendly at Anglesea Road last night.

Although Leicester fielded just three first-choice players, they were still too big, too strong and too fast for Old Belvedere who were also badly hit by withdrawals.

There is no substitute for class. Last night Joel Stransky showed a perception and awareness that Old Belvedere can only dream of. His try, two penalties and five conversions barely reflected his impact on a free-flowing spectacle in which Old Belvedere's Willie Treacy, Peter McKenna and Craig Colgan contributed greatly with their off-the-cuff running.

At the end of the first quarter, Old Belvedere had recovered from a worrying start to draw level at 10-10. But a two-try burst from Stransky and John Liley, both converted by the Springbok, meant Leicester had stretched 24-10 ahead at the break.

Further tries from replacement scrum-half Roland Edwards and Scottish international Craig Joiner were overshadowed by a rapturous ovation for Old Belvedere prop Ray Ward's try in the minute.