Groundstaff worked tirelessly to protect the pitch and Welford Road staged the only top-flight match of the weekend, with the team keeping to their part of the script with a 34-8 bonus-point win over London Wasps.
“I am delighted for the whole club because we worked really hard to get the game on,” said head coach Cockerill.
“The professionalism of the club as a whole shone through today in getting the game on and the way we played.”
Lote Tuqiri scored twice – his first for the club – after Johne Murphy grabbed the opening Tigers try, and there was also a penalty try in the second half.
“I thought we were very resilient after going behind so early in the game, but we kept playing and the try just before half-time was a key for us,” added Cockerill.
“That nudged us in front and when we came out for the second half we knew we had to be more physical at the breakdown. I thought it was brave captaincy by Louis Deacon to keep kicking for the corners and not to take the shots at goal and try to keep the pressure on them. His captaincy was vital at that point.
“To score four tries against such a renown defence is fantastic.
“Wasps are a very good team and we know they can come and punish you. We have had big games against them before and they have beaten us. I have a huge amount of respect for them but today was our day.”
Tigers have now won four successive games, and aim to keep the run going with a home game against Italian visitors Viadana on Saturday (2pm kick-off). Tickets are available now.
