Cockerill laments ref justice

Although the Tigers maintained their year-long unbeaten home record Cockerill was frustrated that White did not punish Worcester's spoiling tactics.

"I found it frustrating how the game was refereed because we have had two games here - this and Newcastle two weeks ago - where the team that is relatively negative and gives most penalties away doesn't get warned or given yellow cards," said the former England hooker.

"They gave away 15 penalties, the majority of them in their own half, and it starts to become frustrating for the team that wants to play.

"Last week at Bath both sides wanted to play, it was a good game and there was some good entertainment there. But for people who turned up today it got a bit fragmented and frustrating.

"How many times do they have to infringe before there is a warning? There were no warnings in the first half and that is a frustration.

"They came here to try and spoil us and grind out a win. You saw at the end there was a minute on the clock and they were happy to kick out to get the bonus point."

But White won support from Worcester's director of rugby Mike Ruddock who praised the international referee's control.

"I thought Chris White was excellent and refereed the game superbly," Ruddock said.

"It was great to see someone of his quality out there."