Marcos Ayerza, Alesana Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Sam Vesty and Matt Smith scored tries in a 38-5 win at Welford Road as Tigers closed the gap on top spot in the table to seven points.
“It is no secret that we are trying to play a little bit more with ball in hand,” said Cockerill.
“The endeavour was great and I’m happy with the result. We took five points and that’s great for us. We need to start putting pressure on the teams above us.
“We scored some nice tries and it is something else to build on.
“We’re still going to give it everything we can for the top four, for European qualification and trying to do the best we can in Europe. We have still got a lot to play for.
“We are probably not the form team but we are still a very dangerous side.”
Vesty grabbed the bonus-point score in the 70th minute and Cockerill said: “Sam is a good footballer and he runs the game very well. He has had limited opportunities this season, mainly because guys have played well in front of him. But he is dying to play and he did another good job today.”
Cockerill now prepares for the Guinness Premiership trip to London Irish next Sunday, when Tigers will again be without the Six Nations contingent.
The next home game is against Gloucester on Saturday, March 7. Kick-off is at 2.45pm and tickets are available now. Contact the Tigers ticket office on 08701 28 34 30, book online or visit Welford Road.
