HEINEKEN CUP POOL ONE Leicester (24) 49 Tries: Lloyd 2, Back. van der Westhuyzen, M Johnson Cons: Vesty 3 Pens: Vesty 6 Ulster (0) 7 Tries Topping Cons: Humphreys

The Tigers had looked down and out last weekend when they lost 33-0 away at Ulster but produced a rousing reverse at Welford Road.

Tries from centre Leon Lloyd, Neil Back and Jaro van der Westhuyzen sealed the points for Dean Richard's side.

England skipper Martin Johnson also grabbed a try before announcing his retirement from international rugby.

The home side were soon on their way, going ahead after five minutes when Ulster were punished for a late tackle on Austin Healey.

Johnson quits England

Vesty neatly dropped over a 30-metre penalty before adding a second penalty as Ulster's luck took a turn for the worse as their skipper Andy Ward was also sin-binned for stamping.

"We wanted to make amends this week - the difference in our performance was huge Leicester coach Dean Richards

Lloyd kept up the momentum sprinting 30 metres to the line for his opening try while Vesty's steady boot converted to open up a 13-point lead.

Lloyd grabbed a second touchdown during injury time to send Leicester into the break in confident mood.

The Tiger wasted no time re-asserting themselves in the second period.

Replacement prop Ricky Nebbett blasted through a weakening Ulster defence to set up Back for try number three.

Then a priceless try-scoring bonus point lifted Leicester to the top of the table when van der Westhuyzen cut through a gap to go over.

We weren't on our game today, and Leicester were right on theirs Ulster coach Alan Solomons

The home side had no intention of allowing Ulster to claim a consolation score, despite a late surge from the Irish side.

Wing James Topping did breach the grinding Leicester defence for a try converted by David Humphreys.

But it was fitting that Johnson had the last word as he put off-field matters to the back of his mind, racing 25 metres to claim a fifth and final try for Leicester.

Leicester: Vesty, Baxter, Lloyd, Gelderbloom, Healey, Van der Westhuyzen, Ellis, Rowntree, West, Morris, Johnson, Kay, Johnson, Back (capt), Tuilagi.
Replacements: Richards, Nebbett, Deacon, Skinner, Myring, Pez, Booth.

Ulster: Wallace, Topping, Stewart, Steinmetz, Howe, Humphreys, Doak, Kempson, Sexton, S. Best, Mustchin, Frost, Ward, N. Best, Wilson.
Replacements: Shields, Moore, McCullough, Brosnihan, Campbell, Larkin, Cunningham.