IRB Junior Player of the Year for 2011, George Ford, proved his incredible talent by kicking Leicester Tigers into the LV=Cup final as they narrowly beat Bath 17-16 at the Rec on Friday night.

Leicester, who didn't make the best of starts to their Aviva Premiership campaign, will be able to take some pressure off their shoulders in knowing they may have a simpler route to Heineken Cup qualification in the Anglo-Welsh Cup final where they will face Northampton or Scarlets.

Ford, 18, kicked four crucial penalties to help his side to victory. Graham Kitchener was quick to react to a Bath handling mishap for Leicester's only try of the match in the first half.

Bath had dominated throughout the pool stages of this competition but they now face a tough challenge in climbing up the Aviva Premiership table to either challenge for a Heineken Cup qualification finish or a play-off spot having lost this match.

Bath's youngster in the spotlight, Tom Heathcote, kicked three penalties and converted a try from hooker Lee Mears but began to crumble under the pressure of the occasion late on.

Scorers
Bath - Penalties: Heathcote (3); Tries: Mears; Conversions: Heathcote
Leicester - Penalties: Ford (4); Tries: Kitchener