Leicester Tigers suffered defeat in a derby day outing that saw a clinical performance from Loughborough Lightning.

Packed with intensity from both sides, across brutal hard lines in attack and huge shots in defence, the local visitors ultimately took their chances whenever they came and then turned the screw in a dominant second half to claim victory.

Natasha Jones, on her 50th appearance leads out the team and gets us underway.

Tigers start well, fielding an initial trio of carries and forcing a kick to touch.

Captain Roisin McBrien leads the way into contact, driving through, before a flurry of short lines are met well by the Lightning defence, who cede only 10 metres before winning a turnover.

This leads to the opening score; a well-executed line out flung wide, an offload back inside almost sending scrum half Megan Davey through. She’s pulled down by a covering Fran McGhie but wing Krissy Scurfield can pick and drive over from short range.

The next 10 minutes continue that intensity; both sides pile into contact as possession trades hands through big shots, rips in contact and attempted punts through.           

However, the breakthrough comes as Tigers concede a penalty, kicked to touch. They field the first two mauls well but, after the second is brought down, driving low carries eventually see Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm go over from less than a metre out.

Tigers bite back however, finally enjoying a consistent spell of possession that eventually leads to a try. They go close through the forwards firstly before, knowing they have a penalty, they opt to kick wide, which is gathered but hauled down so play is pulled back.

From here Charlotte Fray goes over for the hosts opener, riding the first tackle and spinning through another to splash down.

The visitors, however, fire back with two rapid scores to put Tigers firmly on the back foot. Firstly, hooker Kathryn Treder splashes down at the back of a rolling maul before, moments later, fly half Helena Rowland dances through defenders to go under the posts. Rowland has been exemplary from the tee thus far and this score makes it three conversions from four.

Trailing by 19 points, Leicester need a score before the break to avoid this match slipping through their fingers.

Pounding away at the door, the final few minutes are all Tigers as several set pieces drag the side upfield before finally Tahlia Brody is at the back of a rolling maul that fires over.

Half time score: Leicester Tigers 12 – 26 Loughborough Lightning

Out for the second half, Julia Omokhuale replaces Tiana Gordon as both sides enjoy a nervy start.

Lightning first overthrow at the line out before duelling knock ons in quick succession see a pair of scrums, contested well by both teams.

Eventually Lightning break the deadlock, Scurfield coming off her wing and darting through with Loughborough enjoying an overload on the right hand side. 

Their backs against the walls, Tigers almost get an instant response; offloads a plenty eventually they free Meg Jones to execute a two on one to release McGhie who goes so close but is stopped just short by covering fullback Fran Goldthorpe.

Tigers continue to hit it up but cant break through and when the scrum gives away a penalty for an early shovel, the momentum that looked to yield a certain score sadly dissipates.

Both sides again go back to fighting hammer and tongs in midfield but once again it's the visitors who end up taking their chances, Lightning forcing the ball to the corner and prop Christine Belisle driving over.

With the hosts struggling for possession, Lightning come again; having emptied the bench they keep possession tight before substitute scrum half Leia Brebner-Holden darts through a gap to score.

A late yellow card for Tess Feury compounds the difficulties as Tigers search for the scores that will grant them a try bonus point; however, with the ball flying around, probing for gaps, replacement centre Carmela Morrall picks the ball out of the air to intercept and run home unopposed.

Lightning continue to dominate control of the ball and eventually get the final score of the game, the scrum driving over with Daisy Hibebrt-Jones splashing down on the loose ball.

The match ultimately ran away from the hosts as Lightning's rapid start to the second half meant Tigers were unable to get any sort of foothold.

Final score: Leicester Tigers 12 – 61 Loughborough Lightning

Mattioli Woods Welford Road will host the last senior Double Header of the 24/25 campaign next Saturday, February 1, when the women's side take on Gloucester-Hartpury in Round 16 of the PWR campaign and the men's team face Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Almost 20,000 tickets have been sold. Secure your spot now to avoid disappointment.