HORNES HIT HIGH NOTES
RUGBY PRO 14 LATEST Brothers lead in-tune Warriors to memorable win over Leinster
THE HORNE brothers helped Warriors smash their Leinster hoodoo in a Scotstoun sizzler to keep their unblemished Pro14 record.
George and Peter Horne ended an anxious week by topping the scoring list in Glasgow’s first triumph over the Dubliners in six attempts.
They rattled up 21 points between them – but it was cult hero Niko Matawalu who stole the show with a sparkling display of running and passing skills.
And the Fijian shrugged off his super show to insist it had been a team triumph.
Matawalu created three of the Glasgow tries to scoop the man of the match prize – then insisted the whole squad deserved a share – along with the fans.
He said: “I was only doing my job out there. Everyone contributed. We are all equal here. Our team includes our supporters who pack out this place for every game.
“I am loving being back at Scotstoun after my spell down in England.”
The result was a big confidence boost for the hosts after their Euro heartbreak at the hands of Leinster on the same pitch a fortnight ago.
The travelling fans couldn’t have wished to see a better start from their heroes as they surged ahead after just four minutes.
A chip through was perfectly placed for scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park to claim the first touch and Ross Byrne added the extras.
However the Glasgow response was instant and lethal. Matawalu offloaded to George Horne, who finished in style – with brother Peter converting.
The frantic action continued as Leinster restored their advantage after hesitation in defence allowed Rory O’Laughlin to cruise through, with Byrne again finding the target.
Incredibly Glasgow again struck back immediately as Nick Grigg darted over in the wake of more magic by Matawalu. Peter Horne’s strike levelled the contest.
Leinster star Jordi Murphy was then yellow-carded for tackling while offside – and Warriors cashed in, thanks again to the Horne family.
George completed his try double with a trademark close-quarters score – and Peter kept his 100 per cent marksmanship record.
And no sooner had the cheers died down than Grigg followed suit, snatching his second score after a mazy 80-metre dash by Matawalu.
Peter Horne’s strike opened up a 14-point gap – and he banged over a penalty before the interval.
It was Glasgow’s turn to be reduced to 14 just after the restart when Scott Cummings was accused of collapsing a maul. And Leinster got fresh hope as Byrne squeezed over in the corner – then converted.
The tension mounted when Warriors sub Alex Dunbar was sinbinned. But they held out comfortably for a massive win.