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An extraordinary comeback in the last quarter of an hour gave Leicester an amazing 24-22 victory against Bath in the Guinness Premiership.

Bath had played superbly to build a 22-9 lead, inspired by South African fly-half Butch James. But two late tries from flanker Tom Croft and vital kicks by Derick Hougard first closed the gap and then took the home side past their previously dominant guests.

Though Leicester scored the first points through a third-minute penalty by Hougaard, Bath soon pulled clear thanks to James's brilliant runs.

His break after just six minutes led to a breakdown on the line from which Stuart Hooper finished off the try, and when Bath front-row stalwart Peter Dixon crossed for a second try on 28 minutes the visitors looked to be building a healthy lead.

A pair of penalties for Leicester by Hougaard and one for Bath by James kept the scoreboard ticking over, but in truth it was the visitors who dominated the match.

That impression was increased when Joe Maddock scored Bath's third try, which came after a brilliant break by James and an exchange of passes between the pair as they flew down the wing.

If anything, it seemed as if the tale of the last few minutes would be Bath chasing the bonus point which would take them top, but Leicester had other ideas.

A ten-minute spell of pressure from the Tigers almost bore fruit several times before Tom Croft picked up the ball to score after Craig Newby's break on 66 minutes, though the missed conversion meant that Hougaard needed to take a drop goal five minutes from time to get back within striking range.

And with their blood up and the capacity crowd roaring, Croft crossed the line once again after a great run down the wing.

Crucially he was able to touch down 20 metres inside to give Hougaard a chance at the conversion.

Hougaard made no mistake, and when James's late drop-goal attempt was blocked the match was over.

The result might be tough on Bath given their excellent play, but Leicester took their opportunities brilliantly and were ultimately great value for the victory.

Toby Keel / Eurosport