Aviva Premiership: Leicester Tigers coach Richard Cockerill demanding more from his side

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill was far from happy despite seeing his team record a 26-5 victory over London Welsh.

The Tigers moved up to fifth in the Aviva Premiership table as they registered a bonus-point triumph at the Kassam Stadium over opponents who have now lost all eight of their league outings so far.

We eventually got a foothold in the game and class told but all credit to Welsh as they tackled well and made us struggle.

Harry Thacker scored two tries for the visitors, Graham Kitchener and replacement Robert Barbieri grabbed the others, with Tommy Bell kicking three conversions.

"I'll take the five points as that's what we came for but we need to be better than that," Cockerill said.

"We've got to be a lot sharper as it was a pretty average performance for we kicked poorly and lacked composure.

"We eventually got a foothold in the game and class told but all credit to Welsh as they tackled well and made us struggle."

The scores were tied at 5-5 leading up to the break, though only after Freddie Burns had spurned a number of opportunities to put points on the board before full-back Bell took over the kicking duties.

"Freddie has never been a top line goal-kicker as he has only around a 65 per cent successful strike rate and he knows he needs to improve," Cockerill said of Burns, who was replaced after 60 minutes.

Leicester now face an important game against Wasps at home next Saturday as they seek to climb into the play-off spots.

Cockerill added: "This win was something to build on but we need to back it up with a win and a good performance over Wasps next week before we face Toulon. We may have Tom Youngs back to strengthen our side next week."

Much-improved display

London Welsh, meanwhile, gave a much-improved display, particularly in defence, having conceded more than 70 points against Wasps last time out.

The hosts had stunned the Tigers by taking the lead with a try from wing Nick Scott, and new defence coach, Rowland Phillips was pleased with their efforts.

"We had to improve after last week's showing at Wasps. There is still a lot of work to do but for large parts, we contained the Leicester attack," he said.

"After 20 minutes it was 5-0 to us, then 5-5 after 38; we defended comfortably but once you concede needless penalties to allow good opposition driving-maul positions then you will be in trouble."

Welsh were boosted by an encouraging display from new recruit Opeti Fonua, though the number eight's afternoon was cut short as he was helped off the field late in the second half.

"Opeti seems to be fine. He took a knock but is walking round the changing rooms. He had an excellent game for us," said Phillips.

Welsh are hoping to have some experienced players back for their clash with league leaders Northampton next weekend, Phillips adding: "Olly Barkley and Piri Weepu are pretty close to being back after injury to be available for selection."