Searle makes difference as Leicester battle to Prem top spot at Bristol

• Bristol 16-22 Leicester

• Visitors score four tries in error-strewn game

In the end there was a relatively clear winner of this straight shootout for top spot in the Prem. Leicester took the spoils in a error-strewn contest between two sides who began the night in second and third position, scoring four tries to one and being masterfully steered to a bonus-point victory by their alert fly-half Billy Searle, whose left boot set up three tries in addition to landing two conversions.

Following on from their commanding second-half display in the wet at home to Northampton last Saturday, the Tigers were far from perfect but had the game’s outstanding player in Searle, whose left boot set up all three of his side’s tries in addition to landing the goals. Bristol, reduced to 13 players in the second quarter by a brace of yellow cards, had their moments but ultimately coughed up possession far too often.

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