Nic Dolly said belief in the plan was key to delivering an 80-minute performance and, ultimately, the result for he and his team-mates in the first competitive fixture of the new season.

The front-rower was named captain for the Premiership Rugby Cup opener, which Tigers won 50-6 despite only leading 14-6 at half time, and said it was an "arm wrestle" for the first forty in the clash with the Championship club.

"We started fast, which is what we wanted to do, but weren't surprised by the arm wrestle of the game in that first half hour of the game," Dolly said.

"It was about withstanding that and backing what we worked on during the week and prepared for, sticking to our guns was important today and we did.

"We were probably - wrongly - trying to score every phase and so needed to be more patient, stay in the right areas of the field and good things would come."

Discussing the new competition, he added: "It is a great exposure for guys today, young guys in our group and the Championship clubs as well."

"I came from a Championship club and so know how hard they work for opportunities, which this new competition provides."

Asked about the captaincy, he admitted he didn't expect the honour but was proud to have had the chance to lead Leicester.

"I never thought I would have the privilege of captaining this club so early on in my career," said Dolly.

"It is something I am hugely honoured to have done and hopefully will get the chance to do again. For me, it was about leading through my actions and not words which I hopefully did."

The match was played in near 30 degree heat for most of the game and Dolly said it certainly felt as such out in the middle.

"It is definitely warm, it's a different kind of fatigue that's for sure," he said.

"But, I feel good for the run out and feel good to get the win which is what was most important today."

More than 13,000 tickets were sold for the game and - as always - the Tigers Family turned up for their team, which the hooker said was great to see.

"The great thing about our fans is that they turn up for us, they always turn out in great numbers," Dolly said.

"Knowing we have that support is so helpful, we appreciate it so much and can't wait to see bigger and bigger crowds back here as the games continue this season."