Leicester preserved their five-year unbeaten home record as full-back Tim Stimpson booted them to victory in a bruising encounter at Welford Road.

Stimpson slotted three penalties from six attempts to move the Tigers into a group of five clubs - including Wasps - all chasing Premiership leaders Gloucester.

Leicester's pack often had the edge up front, with former All Black flanker Josh Kronfeld in commanding form.

Kronfeld, linked with a move to Wasps recently, kept his side on the front foot and was comfortably the best player on the pitch.

The wet conditions ensured free-flowing rugby was at a premium and the result was always going to be determined by the boot.

Wasps fly-half Mark van Gisbergen did manage two penalties - missing just one - but the visitors are still yet to record a league win at Welford Road.

The only try-scoring chance of the first half came as early as the first minute as Sam Vesty chased a Geordan Murphy bomb which landed tantalisingly in front of the post.

But when Jamie Hamilton gathered up possession he was forced back by a clutch of Wasps players with the line begging.

Van Gisbergen stroked over an eighth-minute penalty to give Wasps an unexpected lead before Simpson levelled with a tricky penalty ten minutes later.

But the usually dependable full-back missed two more in quick succession.

Wasps' lack of discipline gave him plenty more chances, though, and he slotted another six points.

Van Gisbergen added another in reply to leave the visitors trailing only 9-6 at the interval.

Wasps wing Josh Lewsey had a clear run to the line on the resumption but was cut down by the searing pace of Steve Booth.

And Tigers centre Glenn Gelderbloom threatened to break the deadlock, only for referee Chris White to call play back for crossing at the next breakdown.

With the ball slipping around like a bar of soap the remaining half-hour was a tense affair.

But the half remained scoreless as the champions hung on for their fifth league victory of the season.

Leicester:: Stimpson; Murphy, Lloyd, Gelderbloom, Booth; Vesty, Hamilton; Freshwater, West, Garforth, M Johnson, Kay, Kronfeld, Back, Corry.
Replacements: Balding, W Johnson, Chuter, Tournaire, McMullen, Naufahu, Short.

Wasps: Sampson; Rudd, Waters, Denney, Lewsey; van Gisbergen, Wood; Dowd, Leota, Molloy, Shaw, Beardshaw, Dallaglio, Volley, Scrivener.
Replacements: Howley, Logan, Abbott, Gotting, Lock, Birkett, Green.

Att: 16,045

Referee: Chris White (RFU)