Edinburgh hang on for excellent away victory

Edinburgh survived a secondhalf fade-out to snatch one of their best ever away wins in Europe.

They shook off the jitters to claim a precious Challenge Cup bonus point, thanks to a stoppage-time effort from Cammy Fenton. They rattled up a trio of touchdowns before the break at Stade Armandie – only to struggle in the later stages.

But super sub Fenton struck when it mattered most.

The home side had edged in front with a penalty during the nervy and disjointed opening exchanges. But that was the spur for Edinburgh to slip into gear and dominate the rest of the half.

George Taylor snatched their first try in the 17th minute following a slick handling move, with Simon Hickey adding the conversion.

They kept up the momentum and Taylor completed his quickfire double with another clinical finish.

Even better was to come on the half-hour mark as full back Damien Hoyland expertly collected his own chip into the danger zone and cruised to the line.

Hickey maintained his 100% marksmanship sequence to open up a gap of 18 points.

Despite hogging the possession and territory, Edinburgh couldn’t turn pressure into more points before the interval.

Hickey banged over a penalty just after the restart to stretch their advantage.

Agen came more into the contest and three times in quick succession they forced penalty lineouts in the corner.

But on each occasion the Edinburgh defence was up to the task and then earned turnovers.

They eventually broke through, however, when Benito Masilevu powered in, with Raphael Legarde adding the conversion to his earlier penalty.

Both coaches emptied their benches in a bid to seize the initiative in the decisive final quarter – and it was Agen who looked the hungrier team and they set up camp in the Edinburgh 22-area.

The visitors had a major let-off when winger Julien Jane spilled the ball just a few paces from the line with no defenders anywhere near.

But then came Fenton’s moment of magic, goaled by Hickey.