Mixed Fortunes at Mattioli Woods Welford Road: Double Header Match Report
- Mark Dunn
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Mixed Fortunes at Mattioli Woods Welford Road: Double Header Match Report.
It was a day of high drama, torrential rain, and non-stop rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road as the Leicester Tigers hosted a historic double header. From the hard-fought Premiership Women’s Rugby clash in the afternoon to the high-stakes Premiership Rugby Cup finale under the lights, the Leicester faithful were treated to a spectacle of grit and determination.
Special thanks to Mark Dunn Photography for capturing the raw emotion and action of today's matches.
Tigers Women Fall Short Despite Spirited Display
Full Time: Leicester Tigers 19 - 40 Trailfinders Women
The afternoon kicked off with a record-breaking crowd for the women’s game at Welford Road and the teams were welcomed onto the field of play by an all girl guard of honour. Despite the 19-40 scoreline, the Tigers Women pushed a clinical Trailfinders side to the very limit.
Guard of Honour - Image by Mark Dunn Photography
The match started with a bang as Jemima McCalman scored what many are calling the try of the season, slicing through the Trailfinders’ line from halfway. Micke Gunte followed up with a powerful effort from a rolling maul, briefly putting the Tigers in the lead.
Image by Mark Dunn Photography
However, the experience of the London side told in the second half. Despite a yellow card for Trailfinders' Grace White, the visitors capitalized on every opportunity. A late charge-down try by Georgie Lingham gave the home fans one last reason to cheer, but Trailfinders took the spoils in a game that felt much closer than the final whistle suggested.
Image by Mark Dunn Photography
Check out more images from the match by Mark Dunn Photography:
Men Secure Home Semi-Final in Gritty Quins Clash
Full Time: Leicester Tigers 33 - 27 Harlequins
As the rain began to pour, the men took to the field for a crucial Premiership Rugby Cup pool fixture. In a seesaw battle that saw the lead change hands multiple times, the Tigers showed immense character to secure a 33-27 victory.
Harlequins struck early through Josh Bellamy, but the Tigers responded through the boot of Orlando Bailey and the sheer force of their set-piece. The turning point came in the second half; trailing 17-14 at the break, tries from Ryan Cowley and a bonus-point effort from Will Wand—after some magic from Ollie Hassell-Collins—swung the momentum firmly back to Leicester.
Image by Mark Dunn Photography
The win ensures the Tigers finish their pool stage with seven wins from eight matches, booking a massive home semi-final in the process.
"The boys responded to the half-time challenge," said Tigers' coaching staff. "In those conditions, it was about who wanted the dirty work more."
Ollie Hassell-Collins - Image by Mark Dunn
Player of the Match Highlights
1. The Powerhouse: Will Wand (Tigers Men)
"In a game dictated by the weather, Will Wand proved why he is one of the most exciting prospects in the backline. Not only did he cross for the crucial bonus-point try, but his defensive work rate in the final ten minutes was the difference between a win and a draw. A clinical performance under pressure."
Will Wand and Luke Northmore - Image by Mark Dunn
2. The Spark: Jemima McCalman (Tigers Women)
"The scoreline doesn't tell the whole story. McCalman’s solo effort in the first half was a moment of pure magic that brought the Welford Road crowd to their feet. Her ability to find gaps where none exist continues to be the Tigers' most dangerous weapon in the PWR."
Image by Mark Dunn
3. The Engine Room: Finn Carnduff (Tigers Men)
"Leading from the front in the mud and rain, Carnduff’s work at the breakdown was immense. He was at the heart of every momentum shift, securing the turnovers that allowed Orlando Bailey to keep the scoreboard ticking. A captain's knock in all but name."
Photo Gallery by Mark Dunn Photography:
Comments