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Leicester Tigers were beaten 45-21 by Harlequins in the first match of the PREM Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Quins scored four first-half tries to deservedly lead at the break. Winger Theo Povey was integral, creating the first for Seb Driscoll and scoring later too.
Finn Carnduff responded for Tigers almost immediately with a bullocking run down the right side after back-to-back crossfield kicks from Billy Searle, but the home side continued to control territory - converting thrice more to have a 24-7 lead at the break.
Harry Johnson-Holmes scored from a well-worked short-range lineout, Povey got his score and then Driscoll crossed for a second time on the half-hour mark.
The start of the second half saw the home side extend their lead through Jack Walker. Joseph Woodward had made a superb try-saving tackle, but Quins retained territory and converted immediately.
Billy Searle had a superb breakout season in his first season at Tigers, earning himself a nomination for the Gallagher Player of the Season award and showed why with two touches of class to get his side back into the contest.
First, he was the only one switched on to take a quick-tap penalty and worm his way through dallying defenders to dot down, before a smart chip gave Will Wand the chance to collect and score, it wouldn't prove to be enough to get Tigers back into the game though, and two further tries from Quins sealed the win.
Thank you to the numerous travelling Tigers fans who made themselves heard as always.
We will see you next week for the first home match of the season as Newcastle Red Bulls visit Mattioli Woods Welford Road.