United Rugby Championship: Glasgow retain 1872 Cup despite tight Edinburgh win
At half-time a week ago, Edinburgh had conceded 21 points, missed 10 penalties and been shown two yellow cards. This time, they conceded zero goals and only took four penalties at half-time, while Glasgow had seven penalties and no cards.
They also took the lead. Although it was only 3-0, it was better than nothing. There should be more. Earlier, Jamie Ritchie broke through the Glasgow defense and raced upfield before he went off injured, but Edinburgh were unable to take advantage.
Thompson’s 50-22 score was the catalyst for the ensuing free throws, giving Edinburgh the lead. And momentum. Edinburgh stopped their lineout when Glasgow threatened. When they went on offense again, Matt Curry stripped them of the ball.
It’s no classic, but Edinburgh’s materiality is streets ahead of Glasgow’s. After half an hour, the three-point advantage should grow.
They went through one stage after another inside Court 22 in Glasgow. Mosese Tuipulotu might have passed to Duhan van der Merwe, but he failed to make the pass.
Edinburgh kept going and worked their way up to the moment when Luke Crosbie reached for glory, but Gregor Hiddleston’s tackle knocked the ball out of his hands, ruining that. moment. It was a painful moment for the hosts.
Franco Smith brought on a few key players at the start of the second half, with Rory Dutch and George Horn coming on to try to speed up the tempo of the game. Glasgow has since begun knocking on Edinburgh’s door. They were awarded a penalty from close range but were repelled and they applied more pressure but the home side lifted the siege by winning a penalty down the field.
Still 3-0, still scrappy, but still a hell of a fight. With 15 minutes remaining, Edinburgh’s penalty count surged before Glasgow finally broke the tie. It took a while.
The home side held on throughout their 22 and were awarded one, two and three penalties. They received an official warning. Glasgow initiated another lineout and the only way Edinburgh could stop it was an illegal collapse.
Harrison took a penalty kick and received a yellow card. Glasgow leads 7-3. A turning point, or so we think. Edinburgh went straight down the other end and Scoman, of all people, went straight to the other end with a vengeance, starting the decisive move with a small Gruber which was collected back into the fold.
Gilchrist took over and it was all left to Skeman, who powered forward to put Edinburgh ahead again. Healy made a great conversion. 14 people overcame many difficulties to complete this task. A stunning victory of defense and defiance.
