Leicester Tigers claimed a bonus point from Friday’s 27-11 LV= Cup victory over Bath Rugby, following Alesana Tuilagi’s last gasp try. The Samoan intercepted a stray pass as Bath pressed forward in the final few minutes, before running the length of the field to score.

Billy Twelvetrees and Sam Vesty claimed the majority of Tigers’ points, with Twelvetrees bagging a brace of tries and Vesty enjoying varying success with the boot.

In a disappointing first half the only moment of class came from Lucas Amorosino and Aaron Mauger. Amorosino intelligently offloaded to the experienced All Black, whose delicately chipped kick was finished off well by Twelvetrees after a bit of a fumble.

The game saw the return of a number of players from injury, including scrum-half, Harry Ellis. The England international struggled to impose himself on the game, but every minute of first team action will be vital to his recovery.

The second half improved slightly as the Tigers stepped up the pressure, leading to the award of penalty try, which came at a crucial stage.

Twelvetrees later finished off his second after some impressive handling and good support from his teammates, before Tuilagi sealed victory with his breakaway score.

Tigers coach, Richard Cockerill conceded it wasn’t the most fluid of games, but was delighted with the win and the bonus point.

“There was a little bit of a struggle at the lineout at times, which obviously didn’t help and was a bit frustrating. But, credit to the boys, they kept playing and to get the victory and bonus point keeps us alive in the tournament.

“I think the scrum went pretty well tonight and Julian White scrimmaged really well, certainly in the second half against David Barnes, who is a quality loose head and I wouldn’t count Whitey out of the Six Nations for next week.”

With the Six Nations in mind, Cockerill was pleased to give some of the fringe players a run out, well aware that his squad will be stretched in the coming weeks.

“We’ve got four really important league games in the middle of the six nations so it’s important that everybody’s getting game time so it gives the selectors, myself and Matt (O’Connor) as many headaches as possible. If we’ve got to play a certain type of game it’s good that we’ve got those options. I’m delighted that they’re all back and that selection will be difficult.”

The Tigers coach was full of praise for double try scorer Twelvetrees and is confident that the talented youngster has a bright future.

“I thought the step off his left foot for his second try was as good as I have seen. Billy’s got some real natural ability, we just need to refine that and give him his opportunities in the first team and he will be in the team again next week. I’ve no doubt he’ll come through. He’s a real prospect and we’ve got to make sure that his development is done right.”

The try scorer himself was pleased to add to his tally and see the team win on his return from injury.

“The first one was pretty lucky but it was a great little kick through by Aaron Mauger and I just about managed to get hold of it and finish it off. It’s great to play in the centre with someone like Aaron, he has that much experience and he really helps me through games. I was pleased with the second one and it followed some great work by the team. It’s always pleasing to score and both tries came at important times.

“With so many changes to the team and a few of us coming back after injuries it took us a little while to get our rhythm going, particularly in the first half. The penalty try came at an important time. We’d been putting them under a lot of pressure with the scrimmage and with the ball and it was important to get the points when were on top.”