Rugby:Teenager George Ford drove Leicester into a remarkable eighth successive Premiership final as Tigers ended Saracens' reign as English champions. The 19-year-old, son of former England defence coach Mike Ford, kicked four penalties and a conversion after replacing ankle injury victim Toby Flood.
Ford's inclusion was the headline selection by Tigers, especially as they had named Flood on their official team sheet yesterday, but he did not let down a club in pursuit of its 10th league title.
In addition to his priceless points from the boot, Ford also created both Leicester tries through slick passing that cut open a Saracens defence renowned for its Scrooge-like quality.
Wing Alesana Tuilagi, on his final Tigers appearance at Welford Road before moving to Japan, touched down midway through the first half, while flanker Steve Mafi also crossed to thwart a Saracens side whose points came from five Owen Farrell penalties.
Leicester slumped to 11th in the Premiership after their first six games, of which they lost five, but 14 subsequent victories and a draw saw them climb to just one point behind regular season leaders Harlequins.
And it was Ford, current junior world player of the year, who showed admirable maturity to steer Leicester towards a Twickenham appointment with Quins on May 26th.
Earlier, ' Quinsreached their first final with a nail-biting 25-23 victory over Northampton, sealed four minutes from time when Joe Marler was driven over for a converted try.
Just 10 minutes earlier, Northampton appeared to have the game in the bag after Lee Dickson had finished off a 50-metre attack to put the Saints 23-15 ahead. But Ryan Lamb, who kicked everything else all day, missed with his conversion attempt and that left the door ajar for Harlequins - and it was their pack who barged it open.
Nick Evans' sixth penalty took them within striking distance and then, with 76 mimutes on the clock, Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw instructed his fly-half to kick the next penalty to touch.
And from the edge of the Northampton 22, the Harlequins pack launched a ferocious lineout drive with Marler touching down in a forest of legs.
Quins had not only driven Saints over their own line but also infield, leaving the victory conversion a formality for Evans.
It was heartbreaking on the day for Northampton, but over the course of the season Harlequins deserve a place in the final having led the Premiership since September 17th.
