Cockerill says Tigers deserved their derby success against Saints

SATISFIED - Leicester boss Richard Cockerill says his side were worthy winners against Saints on Saturday (Picture: Linda Dawson)

Tigers claimed a 22-16 success at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday, with 17 points from the boot of Owen Williams and a try from Anthony Allen giving them the victory.

But, once again, the east midlands clash wasn’t without controversy, with Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder feeling referee Wayne Barnes had called time too soon.

It mattered not for Leicester, though, as they moved to within seven points of Northampton at the top of the Aviva Premiership table.

And Cockerill said: “It’s a good win for us. I thought we controlled the game really well.

“We probably should have applied a bit more pressure in the second half and we coughed the ball up too much, but our set piece was good and Owen Williams’ goalkicking was outstanding.

“I thought we were the better side throughout and we’re delighted with the win.

“We know they’re a good side and to come here and beat them on their own patch, which is the first time they’ve lost here in the league this season, is a very good result for us.”

Williams’ kicking proved key on the day and Cockerill was delighted with the Welshman, who is currently keeping Toby Flood out of the team.

“The best way to find out about a player is for them to go out there and do it and I thought Owen was really good,” said the Tigers director of rugby.

“He knows what it’s like to play in these big derby games against good players and a Northampton team who are physical.

“He coped with it really well with those goal kicks under pressure.”