Following a 12-9 win at Exeter in Round 18, Tigers claimed a bonus-point victory over neighbours Northampton with four tries in a 36-8 triumph at Franklin’s Gardens.
“Our set-piece and defence were very good and I thought the half-backs and the midfield were outstanding,” said director of rugby Cockerill.
“It is probably the best we have played this season.”
Four penalties from skipper Toby Flood gave Tigers a 12-3 lead at half-time before tries by Manu Tuilagi (2), Mathew Tait and Niall Morris secured maximum points.
“We were a little bit disappointed we didn’t get across the whitewash in the first half when we had a couple of opportunities,” said Cockerill.
“But the second-half performance, especially in coming back from their try when they got right back into the game, was very impressive and I thought across the board the boys were excellent today.
“Saints are a very good team but we just came to be as positive as we could and we were on the front foot for most of the game.”
Victory moved second-placed Tigers on to 63 points from 19 games, four behind leaders Saracens who won at Wasps on Saturday. Third-placed Harlequins are on 56, with Saints and Gloucester on 54 with just three rounds remaining.
“We’ve got a tough run-in, starting with Exeter and then Northampton,” added Cockerill. “They are both very hard places to go and win, but we have done that. But we’ve won nothing, we’ve got to keep that going in the remaining games and see where that takes us.”
Tigers' remaining league fixtures are against London Wasps at home on Sunday April 14, then Bath away and London Irish at home on Saturday May 4. Tickets for both home games are availavle now.
