Ospreys get win over Edinburgh

Ospreys 17 Edinburgh 11

James Hook marked his first competitive start for the Ospreys by kicking them to victory over Edinburgh in the Magners League at the Liberty Stadium.

The youngster found his range with three late penalties to add to the one he had fired over earlier.

But it was a low-key display from the star-studded hosts, who played like a collection of individuals and will clearly need time to blend as a team.

It was a 100% return for Hook, while another home debut-maker in the Magners League, Lee Byrne, claimed a try.

But Edinburgh showed plenty of character and maybe deserved better.

Chris Paterson kicked two penalties for them and Simon Webster raced over for a try, but they ran out of steam towards the end and allowed the Ospreys to take the game.

Justin Marshall caught the eye in flashes for the region, while Ryan Jones had a strong first full game back after injury.

The Ospreys may have been carrying all the big names but Edinburgh led at the break and deservedly so.

Paterson fired them into a 3-0 lead with a well-struck penalty and soon after Simon Webster ran in a simple try after Paterson and Hugo Southwell had worked an overlap.

Home coach Lyn Jones had warned the Ospreys would need time to gel and his players seemed determined to prove him right as over-elaboration choked everything they did.

But Wales forwards Duncan Jones and Ryan Jones took a grip with some strong driving to set up the platform for Marshall to send Lee Byrne over.

An exchange of penalties from Hook and Paterson left the Scots with a three-point lead but as the second half wore on the Ospreys gradually upped their effort.

Edinburgh were forced to give away a stream of penalties and were made to pay as Hook cashed in.