MATCH SUMMARY Leicester 32 (17) Tries: Hamilton, Holford, Tuilagi, Hipkiss, Varndell Cons: Goode 2 Pens: Goode Northampton 0 (0)

The first half started slowly but James Hamilton was bundled over on 15 minutes to open the scoring for the home side.

With Saints prop Tom Smith sin-binned, the Tigers added a close-range score from Michael Holford before Alesana Tuilagi ran in from his own half.

Danny Hipkiss scored a fine try after the break and Leicester completed the win when Tom Varndell crossed late on.

Although the visitors boasted high-profile signing Carlos Spencer, Saints poised little threat to a Tigers side that dominated every area of the game.

And even the disappointing performance display of fly-half Andy Goode, who missed seven of his first eight attempts at goal, could not give Northampton a way in.

The opening exchanges saw Goode miss four penalties in 12 minutes before Hamilton touched down after a typical Tigers line-out drive.

Spencer could not get Northampton going at Welford Road

Northampton skipper Bruce Reihana was also guilty of missing kicks that could have given his side some breathing space.

Their cause was not helped on 27 minutes when Smith tipped Leo Cullen in a line-out and he was shown the yellow the card.

Leicester piled the pressure on the Northampton line and Holford crashed over following another drive.

Northampton did show some attacking intent but they spilled the ball and Tuilagi gratefully ran in from 60 metres.

Leicester effectively sealed the win when Hipkiss touched down just after the break and Varndell rounded the win off in injury.

The Tigers defied Rugby Football Union orders by playing skipper Martin Corry although he came off on 48 minutes.