by John Preece
A repeat of Edinburgh’s last home match, but in the Magners League this time around. The first half was a rather lifeless performance from an Edinburgh side depleted of players on International duty, with most of the highlights provided by Cardiff. The Blues first score coming from a Leigh Halfpenny penalty kick just after a penalty miss from David Blair on the 25th minute. Another chance fell to Cardiff a few minutes later, with Mustoe prevented from scoring in the corner by a last-ditch tackle from Simon Webster
With 5 minutes to go, Blues full-back, Chris Czekaj, scored the first try of the game near the posts to give Halfpenny an easy kick to convert. Half time score – Edinburgh 0, Cardiff 10.
Lots of shouting and pointing must have taken place in the Edinburgh dressing room at the interval, as the team came out hard and fast, to gain Blair an attempt at goal, which he slotted home easily enough. Unfortunately, this was wiped away by another two successful kicks from Halfenny, awarded for Edinburgh indiscipline. Another penalty from Blair was followed by a period of pressure from Edinburgh which resulted in a last minute score from Dutchman, Tim Visser. Blair’s, unsuccessful, conversion attempt from near the touch-line drew a rather disappointing match to a close.
Final score – Edinburgh 11, Cardiff 16
Photo – James King and Greg Laidlaw ‘team-up’ against Cardiff’s No. 12, Dafydd Hewitt. (John Preece)
