Tigers given surprise by Leeds

Leeds gave the Premiership title race a mighty shake-up yesterday, stopping Leicester in their tracks at Headingley by the emphatic margin of 37-16 before a record crowd of more than 7,000.

Just when the triple champions threatened to turn the defence of their perennial title into yet another procession, the Yorkshire club succeeded where others had failed - exploiting the Tigers'severe handicap of playing without their international contingent. Despite the absence of 11 internationals, six on England duty, a seventh, Geordan Murphy, helping Ireland beat Samoa and the rest injured, Dean Richards refused to blame the depleted state of his squad. Instead, surprisingly, he spoke of a 'malaise'and questioned his team's motivation, always Leicester's strongest suit.

'Even with so many men out, there are no excuses for that performance,' he said.'We turned over too much ball, our retention was atrocious and choice of options poor. It seems as though there is a bit of a malaise throughout the camp because we didn't look up for the game.' Leeds, having announced themselves as a Premiership force with a home win over Bath on the opening day of the season, thumped the down-in-the-mouth Tigers 4-1 on tries. A first maximum-point win of the campaign hoisted them towards mid-table and comparative safety.

'Five years ago today we were playing Redruth,' said coach Phil Davies, the former Wales lock.'Now we have beaten Leicester. That really shows how far we have come in a short time.

'Leicester have proved over the years that they are more than capable of winning matches like these. It's irrelevant to me who was on their team-sheet. We have beaten the Premiership title winners and European champions.'