Leicester Tigers made it six games unbeaten with a 19-14 verdict at Kingsolm, despite turning round 9-6 down at the interval.
“The grit and determination to stay in the game were great,” said Tigers director of rugby Cockerill.
“The first half probably won us the game – it wasn’t pretty but it was what we needed. We chose to play into the wind and to go in just three points down at half-time was a good effort. The wind was very strong and both teams found it hard to get out of their own half when they played into it.
“We didn’t let them get on the front foot too much, which is important because they are a very good attacking side.
“In the last two weeks we have fronted up very well.”
Toby Flood and Alesana Tuilagi were the try-scorers for Tigers, though the lead changed hands several times in the closing stages as Gloucester No8 Luke Narraway grabbed an intercept try and the hosts were on the attack when Matt Smith tackled Mike Tindall into touch to end the game.
“It is a good result because to come here and win is always very difficult. In the circumstances of where we are in the table it is an exceptionally good result,” added Cockerill.
“We knew they would come hard at us after their recent results here, but we stood up to it.
“Tiny margins turn games. The intercept try for them and the blocked kick which led to Alesana’s try, they are the two major parts of the game.
“I feel for [Gloucester coach] Bryan Redpath, they have a proud home record and I know how it feels, we’ve had those experiences recently too.
“It’s a good win but we’ll be humble about where we are in the table, we have got plenty of work to do and we’ll get on with it.”
With Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Allen and Andy Forsyth ruled out by injury, Billy Twelvetrees made a timely return from an ankle injury, joining Smith in midfield.
“After not playing for six or seven weeks, Billy did really well,” said Cockerill. “He did a really good job, so did Matt Smith against a quality Gloucester backline.
“Ben Youngs also got another 40 minutes, we’ll have Manu back shortly, Julian Salvi will be fine for next week and we’ve got good guys to come in and rotate.”
Tigers return to action with a home game against Northampton Saints on Saturday. This match is already sold out, but tickets are available now for the Heineken Cup date with French visitors Clermont Auvergne at Welford Road on Saturday, December 17.
