Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill admits he would not have begrudged a Sale victory on Friday.
Tigers coach happy with tackling; Diamond unhappy with official
Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill admits he would not have begrudged a Sale victory in Friday's Aviva Premiership encounter.
The Tigers secured their ninth win on the spin at Edgeley Park as fly-half Jeremy Staunton kicked six penalties in an 18-16 victory.
The victory puts the defending champions nine points clear at the summit and Cockerill paid tribute to the desire of his players after grinding out the win.
He said: "I think we did enough to win the match but if Sale had won we wouldn't have complained too much.
"We had enough chances in the first half and perhaps should have scored a couple of tries.
"We had opportunities where we could have built up a healthy scoreline and got away from them but we didn't.
"However, this group of players are working really hard and really that's all that matters."
Immense
Only a fine saving tackle from Scott Hamilton on Rob Miller secured victory for Leicester, for whom England flanker Tom Croft played 55 minutes on his first Tigers start since October 23 to step up his return from a broken shoulder and nerve damage.
Cockerill added: "The determination to make the tackles, get onside and roll away from the ball was immense.
"That won us the game and the effort was great but we need to improve for next week."
Sale competed gamely throughout and will feel bitterly disappointed not to have claimed victory, although a losing bonus point at least ensured they did not finish empty-handed.
Charlie Hodgson attempted a late drop-goal attempt that would have clinched victory for his side but the ball sailed wide to leave Sale too close to the relegation zone for comfort.
Sharks director of sport Steve Diamond could not fault his players' effort and pointed an accusing finger at referee Tim Wigglesworth.
Commitment
Diamond said: "These referees want to talk about quick ball but they cannot deliver it on a Friday, Saturday or a Sunday.
"We look at ourselves and we're professional; they've got to look at themselves as well. Commitment is never an issue as long as I'm involved.
"The lads have trained really well this week and you could see the effort of the lads there tonight.
"We're down at the bottom of the league, so it's good to get a bonus point against a top side. It bodes well for us going to Wasps next week."
