Leicester Tigers U18 fought back bravely against Saracens in Sunday's Academy League finals day, but ultimately fell to the London club 63-33 in the 3rd place playoff at Kingsholm Stadium.
Tigers found themselves three tries behind before grabbing their first try of the day, Jamie Longyear scoring from a terrific rolling maul. Saracens would restore their cushion before the break, 28-5 at half-time.
Saracens scored the next two after the break before George Marsh crossed for Tigers. The bruising number eight hacked a loose ball through Sarries defence and showed good speed and skill to gather and score. Talbot converted well.
Tigers came alive truly in the last 20 minutes, Marsh again showing his quality to carry several Saracens defenders over the line from close range. Talbot knocked over the simple conversion.
Flanker Fin Charles was next to cross, Marsh making a dent in the defence and his backrow partner providing the finish which Talbot again converted to make it 49-26.
When left wing flyer Oliver Shipp intercepted and scored less than a minute later, an unlikely comeback was on the cards, but Saracens showed their quality in the closing moments, scoring the last two tries to make it 63-33 at full-time.
