Blair remains upbeat despite Edinburgh setback
Edinburgh suffered a four-triesto-one defeat by the Falcons in the first match at their new stadium yesterday, but there was still a lot for new head coach Mike Blair to be pleased about.
Simply being able to celebrate having a home to call their own was one reason to be cheerful for the new man, who was taking charge of the team for the first time. And, although the Falcons looked stronger and more composed, Blair was encouraged by signs that his players were beginning to adapt to his new, more adventurous game plan.
“It’s a watershed moment that our supporters, players and anyone connected to the club has waited on for a very long time,” he said.
“But, at the same time, we’re disappointed because we didn’t get the win. Newcastle are probably a week ahead of us in terms of their preparation.”
Newcastle, who had enjoyed a narrower win over Glasgow eight days earlier, were both sharper and more solid than their hosts. They fell behind to a Jaco van der Walt penalty, but then went ahead through an interception try by scrum-half Louis Schreuder, converted by Brett Connon.
Edinburgh hit back with a Mark Bennett try converted by Van der Walt, but they did not bother the scoreboard again. Hooker George Mcguigan finished off a powerful driving maul from a lineout five minutes before the break to put the Falcons team back in front, and that lead always looked secure in the second half, in which Ollie Lindsay-hague and Cameron Nordli-kelemeti added touchdowns, converted by Connon and Marshall.
Scotland prospect Ross Thompson is enjoying a new challenge this early in his career – regularly playing in front of crowds.
The 22-year-old outside half made his breakthrough with Glasgow Warriors last season, but the pre-season 22-27 victory in Worcester was his first time dealing with the pressure of kicking for Glasgow in front of away fans.
“It was funny, I have not had the chance to play for Glasgow in front of an away crowd so I have never had the pressure of taking a kick in front of them,”
he said.