The Tigers - who currently sit fourth in the Challenge Cup preliminary stage - recovered from a 14-point deficit to edge out their Heineken Champions Cup opponents in an entertaining 36-31 win, with fly-half Ford slotting five penalties and three conversions.

Freddie Steward and Harry Wells both scored late in the first half as Leicester responded to conceding two converted tries within the opening fifteen minutes.

Ford was a constant threat from the tee, adding a series of penalties throughout the match before a Cameron Henderson try with a quarter of an hour to play proved decisive for Leicester.

Elsewhere Challenge Cup strugglers Stade Francais enjoyed some success away from European competition as they comfortably beat Brive in the Top 14.

Telusa Veainu, Kylan Hamdaoui, James Hall, Gerbrandt Grobler, Waisea Nayacalevu and Mathieu De Giovanni all crossed for the French side in a 51-21 victory, while fly-half Joris Segonds racked up 17 points.

Leicester welcome Bayonne to Welford Road when the Challenge Cup returns on January 15, while Stade Francais host Cardiff Blues a day later.

George Ford kicked 21 points as Challenge Cup side Leicester Tigers beat Bath to pick up their second Premiership win of the season.