Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Wigglesworth was delighted to get a “crucial” win against London Irish in the Premiership on Saturday.
Wigglesworth’s side claimed a narrow 25-22 win against the Exiles to snap a four-game losing streak away from home and climb up to fifth on the table.
Solid win
Tigers built on a positive victory against Saracens last weekend, and the coach was pleased with the win, although he hopes his side will not rue missed bonus point opportunities.
“They had more possession and territory than us, but our maul defence was outstanding,” Wigglesworth said.
“They are on a great run and are a very dangerous side, but I’m not pleased that we gave them so many opportunities.
“At the end of the season, we may rue not getting bonus-points from last week’s game and again tonight – but to win here was crucial.
“It’s a big period for us as we lose a lot of guys to the Six Nations, but we had a lot of experienced players out there who know how to get the job done.”
Olly Cracknell, Jasper Wiese and Harry Potter all scored tries for the defending champions, whilst Handre Pollard added 10 points off the tee.
No issues with not taking kickable penalties
Meanwhile, London Irish boss Declan Kidney says he had no issue with his team passing up kickable penalties as the game was decided by Tigers capitalising on one more chance than his side.
“It was a good game with lots of ebbs and flows, but they took one more chance than we did,” Kidney said.
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“We had a period after half-time when we should have scored, but they had a similar period just before half-time, so it evened itself out.”
“I have no problems with us not taking kickable penalties as the boys have to react to how they see it, and realistically we ended one play short of a bonus-point victory.
“We are taking every moment as it comes, and it’s a journey for us. I’m sure there are plenty more ebbs and flows to come in this league before the season ends.
“We travel to Newcastle next week, and then we have a few home games, including the Premiership Cup final, so it’s important that we don’t look too far ahead.”