Pride and frustration for Parling

HEAD COACH HAILS PASSIONATE DISPLAY, BUT ADMITS: 'I THOUGHT THE GAME WAS THERE FOR US'

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Tigers against Investec Champions Cup titans at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Friday

(DAVID ROGERS/GETTY)

LEICESTER head coach Geoff Parling was frustrated that his side failed to capitalise from a strong position in a 23-15 Investec Champions Cup defeat to Leinster at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Despite a hugely-spirited effort against error-ridden opponents, the hosts came away with nothing and remain without points at the bottom of Pool 3 after their opening two fixtures.

Leicester led 15-6 at the break, but a missed penalty from Billy Searle and a soft try for Jamison Gibson-Park saw the momentum shift and ultimately - despite being far from their best - the Irish province were deserved winners.

Gibson-Park and Dan Sheehan scored Leinster's tries, with Harry Byrne kicking three penalties and a conversion. Sam Prendergast also added a conversion.

Wings, Adam Radwan and Ollie Hassell-Collins crossed over for Leicester's as Searle added a penalty and a conversion.

Parling said: “I’m incredibly proud of the effort as our defence was outstanding, the best performance of the season in that area, but I'm frustrated as the game was there for us.

“A lot of people had written us off before the game and it would have been an incredible day had we won as Leinster haven't lost a European pool game for four years.