Leicester Tigers moved level with Premiership leaders Bath after Solomone Kata starred in a big win over Gloucester. The Tongan centre scored a brilliant solo try and set up another as Leicester racked up seven tries in total, securing their fourth straight league victory.
Gloucester, second from bottom, were never in the game and failed to improve their poor record at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Captain Tomos Williams had a particularly tough match, ending a week when it was confirmed he will leave the club at the season’s end.
Leicester led 19-0 at halftime, thanks to Kata’s first-half heroics, including a superb individual try and an assist for James Thompson. A penalty try just before the break extended the lead after Gloucester illegally stopped Ollie Hassell-Collins from scoring.
The Tigers scored two more early in the second half through Tom Whiteley and Tommy Reffell. Billy Searle added a sixth before Leicester were temporarily down to 14 after Charlie Clare was sent off for a dangerous tackle. Even then, they managed a seventh, with Ollie Chessum scoring on his return from injury.
Gloucester only got on the board through Josh Hathaway and Jack Clement, but injuries and early setbacks meant it was a night to forget for the Cherry and Whites.
