Cockerill rues 'daft errors'

Richard Cockerill said his Leicester side made "daft errors" in their LV= Cup defeat at Northampton.

Leicester coach says defensive mistakes cost them

After watching his Leicester side lose their LV= Cup match at Northampton, coach Richard Cockerill was left to rue the "daft errors" they made. The Tigers' 23-11 defeat has probably ended their hopes in the tournament as they will need Saracens to lose at home to Newport-Gwent Dragons on Sunday to have any chance of progressing. Cockerill said he was pleased with his side's overall display but admitted their defeat came down to the number of mistakes they made in defence. "We acquitted ourselves very well," he said. "In the first half we controlled matters but with bits of ball they scored two soft tries. "It was disappointing to do this but we scored a great try thanks to Lucas Amorosino - but those daft errors in defence cost us. "We should have made more of our opportunities and in the second half we should have set up a grandstand finish had we scored again but we didn't take our chances at that stage." Paul Diggin and Alan Dickens crossed in the first half to put Saints two tries to the good, with Billy Twelvetrees responding in kind for the Tigers after Amorosino had embarked on a 60-metre run to set him up. However, the Argentinian was helped off the field within a leg injury after 59 minutes. Cockerill said: "Lucas was outstanding. The injury he sustained was hopefully not too serious. It seems to be a bang on the knee but he will need a scan on Monday." Northampton's victory at Franklin's Gardens enabled them to progress from Pool Four and also ensured them a home semi-final. Saints forwards coach Dorian West said: "This was our 11th win in 12 matches and winning is a good habit to have. "We prepare to win every game and with a small squad it is an exceptional achievement that we are still competing on three fronts. "We've got to be pleased with our win as it has secured a vital home draw. "Leicester had a lot of quality players with a lot of experience out there and they are always difficult to beat. "They could have taken their opportunities a bit better but it is a credit to our defence that we held firm. "We analysed Leicester's defence very carefully and saw a few weaknesses so it was very satisfying to see our hard work on this front rewarded."