Edinburgh claim first Scottish win on Welsh soil

Cardiff Blues 12 Edinburgh 17

Edinburgh defied a second-half comeback by Cardiff Blues to claim the first Scottish victory at the Arms Park in Celtic League history.

Their early dominance could have brought an interval lead wider than the 17 points they managed, but it needed some stout defence to confirm the visitors’ success.

Right from the first whistle, the Scots showed their keenness to throw the ball around, with fly-half Phil Godman, centre Marcus Di Rollo and wing Simon Webster looking threatening.

The home side had the first clear-cut scoring chance only for Lee Thomas to miss a kickable penalty.

Edinburgh pressure was rewarded midway through the first period when full-back Derrick Lee found space on the left and brushed aside two desperate tackles to score.

Brendan Laney converted and added a penalty before a rare Blues attack resulted in the visitors’ second try.

A turnover in the Edinburgh half enabled hooker Dougie Hall to send Webster racing in unopposed from 60 yards.

Laney’s successful conversion was the last kick of a one-sided first half.

An interval lecture from Di Young spurred the Blues’ pack into action and a series of drives gained them the position for scrum-half Ryan Powell to dive over. But Lee Thomas made a hash of the conversion.

The Blues maintained their control and Edinburgh lock Nathan Hines saw yellow, allowing the home forwards to force their below-strength opponents over the line.

Prop Martin Jones claimed the touchdown, with full-back Nick Macleod converting as Nicky Robinson came off the bench for his first action since last summer’s Wales tour.

It was injury time before Edinburgh were given their first penalty of the second period, but Laney missed and was also wide with a drop-goal attempt, which at least allowed the Blues a losing bonus point.