Warriors are sunk after a Gunners revenge mission
EDINBURGH 29 GLASGOW WARRIORS 19
Gutsy Gunners grabbed glorious revenge in an epic 1872 Cup clash at Murrayfield.
Stung by the last-gasp loss last weekend, Richard Cockerill’s battlers claimed a stunning triumph in front of a bumper 28,000 crowd.
The pivotal moment came nine minutes from time as ref Mike Adamson handed the capital side a penalty try.
Then in the dying seconds, Darcy Graham completed his double to make sure of a bonus point.
The hosts had made an urgent start, launching a series of raids after stealing a lineout. But having weathered the early storm, Glasgow were handed the first clear chance to break the deadlock – only for Adam Hastings to miscue his penalty bid from 40m out.
It was then Edinburgh’s turn to show off their defensive strength by blocking out the Warriors for 19 continuous phases.
Glasgow kept up the momentum and winger Ratu Tagive was inches away from latching on to a Ruaridh Jackson lob to the corner. Suddenly, the Gunners found a spark to create a try against the run of play. Duhan van der Merwe inflicted the initial damage with a 50-metre dash into enemy territory.
Then a trademark offload by Bill Mata sent Graham cruising over the line – with Simon Hickey converting.
Glasgow’s response was quick and lethal as Huw Jones crashed through from close range to give Hastings a simple equalising kick.
The action continued with full commitment and pace with the home brigade going close to carving out score No. 2.
Edinburgh kept pressing in the build up to the interval. But they suffered a setback when skipper Stuart Mcinally was forced off injured.
Warriors looked the hungrier outfit after the restart. However, again the capital men struck on the counter attack as Hickey banged over a tricky penalty. Glasgow spurned the chance of a levelling kick five minutes later and opted for a lineout in the danger zone. And the gamble paid off when Scott Cummings hurtled through for the touchdown. Hastings added the extras.
Fit-again Matt Scott came off the Gunners bench – and almost scored with his first touch.
Only a superb intervention by Jackson prevented the centre grounding at the base of the upright in the wake of a burst down the middle. However, the home celebrations were merely delayed for a couple of minutes as substitute scrum half Henry Pyrgos burrowed over against his old club.
Hickey’s conversion was spot-on.
To add to Glasgow’s gloom, Hastings limped off with leg damage.
The drama level rocketed almost immediately when the Warriors substitute No9 George Horne nipped in to snatch back the lead.
It was turning into an incredible epic encounter and it took yet another twist nine minutes from time. Glasgow’s Jonny Gray was guilty of collapsing a maul near his own line.
In addition to the penalty try, the culprit was sent to the sin bin.
Then Graham bagged his brace to make sure.