Second-half rally gives Edinburgh victory - report

Edinburgh 19 Leeds 9

Edinburgh took another step towards the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup by powering past the Tykes at Meadowbank.

Leeds raced off to a strong start but the home side produced a stirring second-half rally to grab a confidence boost ahead of the return visit to Headingley.

Leeds broke the deadlock after just three minutes with a confidently struck penalty by stand-off Tim Walsh.

Tykes continued to hold the upper hand, but Edinburgh gradually worked their way back into the contest.

Stand-in Gunners skipper Brendan Laney levelled the scores with a penalty but two more penalties from Walsh gave Leeds a 9-3 lead.

Home wing Craig Joiner was forced to leave the fray with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Hugo Southwell.

Laney again reduced the deficit with a penalty awarded when Phil Murphy was caught killing the ball on the ground and was yellow-carded for his troubles.

Edinburgh stepped up the pace after the restart and wasted no time in drawing level as Laney completed his hat-trick.

The patience of the Gunners was rewarded as they charged ahead. First, Laney banged over a long-range penalty and then they powered over for the crucial first try.

Derrick Lee’s drop-goal attempt was charged down and he reclaimed the ball to set up a telling raid.

The ball was quickly recycled, the pack rumbled over the line and hooker Dougie Hall gleefully plunged for the vital first touch. Laney added the extra points.