Leicester 17-19 Saracens: Hadfield and Keylock seal late comeback

James Hadfield’s late try and Finn Keylock’s conversion gave Saracens a 19-17 comeback win at Leicester, preserving their unbeaten start in the PREM Rugby Cup.

The visitors led for the first time with only minutes remaining at a wet Welford Road, leaving the holders with four defeats from four.

Leicester had led 7-0 at half-time and were still five points clear heading into the closing stages. But Hadfield’s finish from a driving maul levelled the scores before Keylock kicked the winning conversion.

Leicester take the first-half lead

Heavy rain and wind made handling difficult, with both sides struggling to turn possession into clear opportunities.

Leicester made the breakthrough through Elliott Stooke. The lock grounded the ball following pressure close to the line, with the try awarded after a TMO review.

Orlando Bailey added the conversion to give the Tigers a seven-point advantage at the break.

Saracens arrived having scored 150 points across their opening two cup victories, but found Leicester much harder to break down. The hosts kept them scoreless through the first half.

Saracens respond after the break

Tobias Elliott put Saracens on the scoreboard early in the second half, collecting Luke Davidson’s cross-field kick to score.

Leicester answered through hooker Sam Moli, who crossed from a lineout maul. Bailey converted again to restore the hosts’ control.

Sione Va’enuku then scored Saracens’ second try, with Davidson’s conversion reducing the deficit to 14-12.

Bailey’s penalty gave Leicester breathing room at 17-12, but the Tigers could not find another score to put the contest beyond reach.

Leicester 17-19 Saracens: late maul decides it

Saracens built pressure in the closing stages and eventually forced their way through.

Hadfield’s try brought them level at 17-17. Keylock then held his nerve to convert, putting Saracens ahead for the first time.

The visitors protected that narrow advantage to complete a third successive cup victory.

The result leaves Saracens one point behind Pool B leaders Harlequins. The two sides meet at StoneX Stadium on Saturday 21 November, giving Saracens an immediate opportunity to build on their comeback.

For Leicester, a fourth straight defeat leaves their title defence in serious difficulty. They competed strongly in demanding conditions but could not protect their lead.

Leicester vs Saracens scorers

Leicester Tigers: Tries: Elliott Stooke, Sam Moli. Conversions: Orlando Bailey 2. Penalty: Bailey.

Saracens: Tries: Tobias Elliott, Sione Va’enuku, James Hadfield. Conversions: Luke Davidson, Finn Keylock.

Elsewhere in the competition, Gloucester won an 11-try derby at Bath. Read our Bath 36-44 Gloucester report and follow more club results on our Premiership Rugby hub.