Tigers were made to fight all the way before securing a 34-28 win over Munster in the Guinness Challenge at Welford Road.
They scored four tries through Scott Hamilton, two penalty tries and Tom Croft’s match-winning score in the final minute.
Deacon, who captained the team in a final warm-up game before the start of the new season at Sale Sharks this Friday evening, said: “Munster gave us a very good test and that was definitely what we need going into the first Guinness Premiership game of the season.”
He added: “The win is always good but there are plenty of things to work on for next Friday.
“Sometimes the ball control was not as good as we wanted and we turned the ball over at times too easily. There are things to work on, but we will take the positives out of it for next week.”
Deacon also paid tribute to the Tigers pack after their powerful scrummaging led to the two penalty tries.
“We pride ourselves on the scrum,” he said. “With Whitey, Castro and all the internationals we have it makes it easier and we certainly performed well up front.”
Tigers are next in action at Welford Road when the new Caterpillar Stand will be opened for the visit of Newcastle Falcons on Saturday, September 19. Tickets are priced at £15 adults, £10 young adults/full-time students and £5 juniors. There is free entry for under-10s, as well as a Try Before You Buy scheme which allows supporters to redeem the ticket value against a season ticket or entry to any other match before Christmas, and the Tigers Pick ‘n’ Mix option offering the chance to buy tickets for three games and free entry to a fourth.
Tickets are available from the Tigers ticket office, online or by calling 0844 856 1880.
