Cockerill upbeat despite another defeat

RICHARD Cockerill lamented a last-gasp loss in Belfast but believes he has seen enough in Edinburgh’s opening two games to be positive about the season ahead.

They host Connacht next week after successive away losses to Ospreys and Ulster.

They seemed poised for victory when Simon Hickey edged them back in front 30 seconds from time but John Cooney, who gave away the penalty, went from villain to hero for the second week in a row when he landed the winner from 38 metres in the final play.

“I’m very pleased with how we performed, it’s just a bit gutting that we ended up losing,” said Cockerill. “It’s a bounce of a ball, but that’s the game – we’ve got to learn to win those games.”

Edinburgh were superb in the opening half with Luke Hamilton and Viliame Mata at the fore and a try from Tom Brown helped them lead 16-6 at the break.

James Johnstone extended the lead to 23-6 after 47 minutes but then Ulster recovered, with Cooney superb at No.9 and Jordi Murphy putting in a fine debut.

Will Addison cut the gap and then Cooney got over to make it 26-20, 19 minutes from time. A superb break by Craig Gilroy and Cooney’s conversion edged Ulster in front for the first time 11 minutes from time before the lead then twice exchanged hands in the final minute.

Ulster coach Dan McFarland said. “I was pleased with the way we corrected things in the second-half and it was good to get a second win.”