Geoff Parling praised Leicester’s grit after seeing them move to the top of the PREM table with a 22-16 bonus-point victory over Bristol at Ashton Gate in an error-ridden game.

The Tigers took advantage of the hosts having two men in the sin bin to score 10 points in their absence, which ultimately proved the difference.

Leicester’s tries came from Freddie Steward, Adam Radwin, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Jamie Blamire, with Billy Searle adding a conversion.

Louis Rees-Zammit scored Bristol’s only try, with James Williams adding three penalties and a conversion to secure a losing bonus-point.

“It was a gritty win against a good team as it’s always a difficult place to come,” Leicester director of rugby Parling said.

“We only conceded one try last week and one tonight as our defence continues to improve as we have a different system as it’s more aggressive.

“I thought our kicking game was impressive with Billy Searle outstanding, although his misses off the tee were frustrating.”

Leicester captain Ollie Chessum, who was man of the match, added: “We keep finding a way to make it tricky for ourselves.

“We should have sealed the game a lot earlier and I was getting very frustrated and annoyed in the last 10 minutes, and I’ll have to apologise to the boys as I always my heart on my sleeve.

“The effort of this group keeps surprising me as week in week out they continue to improve. I love playing for this club as there’s no better to be.”

Bristol boss Pat Lam bemoaned the loss of two players to the sin-bin.

He said: “We conceded two tries in the sin-bin period and that ultimately was pretty crucial.

“Zam (Louis Rees Zammit) scored a great try and our defence was amazing, but we couldn’t build any pressure throughout the game.

“We lost too many line-outs which stopped us from getting any attacking platforms so we did well to hang in there right until the end to get a bonus point.”

Bristol prop and former Tigers captain Ellis Genge said: “I’m upset with the loss and it’s tough to take, especially the manner in which we lost.

“It was tough with two yellows but we could have ground our way out, but they stuck to their guns and out-muscled us which is disappointing.”