Monstrous defence wins battle for Warriors

GLASGOW booked the final spot in the European Challenge Cup semi-finals courtesy of a monstrous defensive shift against their URC rivals the Lions.

The incredible effort against the Lions’ beefy pack was illustrated by their top tacklers; Rory Darge (29), George Turner (21), Matt Fagerson (21), Jack Dempsey (19) and Zander Fagerson (18).

The loss in Scotland rules all five South African franchises out of both European competitions while Glasgow will eagerly anticipate their first ever Challenge Cup semi-final against the Scarlets.

Glasgow made an emphatic break early on and were metres from the try line but a horrific ‘rugby incident’ occurred as a head collision between Matt Fagerson and Rabz Maxwane resulted in the latter being knocked unconscious.

When play resumed it was Australian-born Scottish international Jack Dempsey who crossed after being picked out by a neat offload by Sione Tuipulotu. The home side remained on top and after sustained pressure, Jamie Dobie crossed out wide following fluid hands by the Glasgow backline and George Horne’s reliable kicking off the tee continued by adding the extras.

An excellent kick by Gianni Lombard made Kyle Steyn take the ball out on his own five metre line but the resulting driving maul was halted as the Lions went off their feet.

The Lions’ response continued though, and they were rewarded with a penalty five metres out. The South African side opted for the pick and go but a golden opportunity went begging as despite Asenathi Ntlabakanye’s 25 stone frame, Glasgow’s REsilient defence negated the danger with a vital turnover. And after a third time of knocking on the Glasgow door at the end of the half, the Lions were denied again as Sanele Nohamba’s try was chalked off for a double movement.

However, scrum-half Nohamba did get his try at the start of the second period with a quick tap penalty that caught Glasgow’s defence off guard.

Glasgow bit back at an ideal time as Zander Fagerson powered over. But the Lions weren’t done and their much improved second half performance was rewarded with Francke Horn going over.

Horne dispatched a penalty to move the home side beyond a converted try clear and Huw Jones broke the Lions defensive line and offloaded to Ollie Smith, who sent Tom Jordan over the whitewash.

The Lions scored their third try through Morne Brandon, but it proved merely a consolation.