Power game pays off but travelling Tigers faithful are rewarded with a gutsy display

CHAMPIONS CUP CAMPAIGN STARTS ON LOSING NOTE AGAINST EXPERIENCED FRENCH HOSTS

- By JOHN WIFFEN

CRUNCH TIME: Solomone Kata, of Leicester Tigers, ploughs into La Rochelle's Diego Jurd during their Investec Champions Cup encounter at the Marcel-Deflandre Stadium on Saturday

(PICTURES: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

A BRAVE Leicester Tigers side was beaten 39-20 by an experienced La Rochelle in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup.

The hosts scored six tries in a powerful performance, whilst Geoff Parling’s Tigers took their few opportunities well, considering the pressure they were under at times.

It was a difficult first quarter for Tigers, who were under duress from both the weather and the home side.

Despite brilliant defence in their own 22, the pressure began to tell and La Rochelle thought they had their first as Gregory Alldritt forced his way over the line.

However, replays showed heroic defence by Billy Searle dislodging the wet ball.