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Old soldiers await the callMartin Corry revelled in the irresistible rugby which blew Bath away. But after being press-ganged into a lap of honour, he returned to warn the current Tigers
that trophies not finals decide a side’s legacy. By Neil Squires 00:00, Mon, May 11, 2009 Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark
Comments DIRECT ACTION: Jordan Crane, the No8 taking over from Martin Corry, draws in the Bath defence
Corry, 35, confirmed he will retire at the end ofthe season which, if Leicester reach journey’s end, will be assuccessful as any in their history.
RichardCockerill’s side are two finals away from joining the classes of 2001and 2002 who won the domestic and European double after a victory inthe Premiership semi-final over a pallid Bath
which was far moreconvincing than the scoreline indicates.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTCorry,whose role is reduced to overgrown water boy these days, was as takenas anybody by the manner of the domination – an intoxicating blend ofthe directness of his successor as No8 Jordan
Crane and thedexterousness of the man who has taken his place as captain, GeordanMurphy.
But he rammed home the point thatartistic impression is an abstract irrelevance if this Leicestervintage want to sit alongside the all-conquering Tigers of the past.
The club know the state of my body – I have had a pelvic problem for some time – but if someone is more injured than me I am still available.
“Weare playing tremendous rugby – some of the stuff we played in the firsthalf against Bath was sensational – but we haven’t won anything yet andLeicester view success in terms of trophies
won,” said Corry.
“Wehave got to two major finals but we haven’t closed it out yet. We cando the double and I’d love to be part of that, but what’s best for theclub is that they have the best 15 out.
“Theclub know the state of my body – I have had a pelvic problem for sometime – but if someone is more injured than me I am still available. Mymajor role though will probably be rehydration.
“Idon’t think Cockers and sentiment go hand in hand when it comes toselection for these finals and I wouldn’t want that. Everything I’vedone I feel I have had to earn and I don’t want
charity at the end.”
Crane,whose relentless, draining ball-carrying is a major reason why Corrywill have to see out the remainder of a career that has brought twoLions tours, two World Cup finals and the England
captaincy from thefringes. He wants the Tigers to make sure Corry is not lost to the club.
“He is a massive presence around the club,” said Crane.
“Everyone knows that at times this season we have struggled without his leadership and he is going to be missed.
“Hopefully he will still have something to do with the club because he is Leicester through and through.”
Thatseems unlikely in the immediate future, with Corry keen to experiencethe business world, contribute some erratic medium pace to his villagecricket team and spend more time with his wife,
Tara, who is expectingtheir third child.
“I need to step away for a while and see if I can be involved in another role,” he said.
“To be a coach you must be committed. In the long-term, though, I will stay involved.”
Bath came up with Michael Claassens and StuartHooper tries. Lapses contributed to Leicester’s first-half tries forDan Hipkiss and Sam Vesty but the match-winner, from Lewis Moody 12minutes
from time, was all Tigers’.
Leicester – Tries: Vesty, Moody, Hipkiss. Cons: Dupuy (3). Pen: Dupuy.
Bath – Tries: Hooper, Claassens.
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