Ulster crash at Murrayfield
Edinburgh kept tabs on Magners League leaders Munster with a 21-15 victory over Ulster at Murrayfield.
Last Updated: 09/01/09 11:13pm
Edinburgh kept tabs on Magners League leaders Munster with a 21-15 victory over Ulster at Murrayfield.
The Irish outfit had won their last three matches, including a confidence-boosting triumph at Munster last time, but never recovered from a two-try burst from the hosts before the break.
Hugo Southwell and Jim Hamilton crossed for Edinburgh inside the first 20 minutes and with Phil Godman booting 11 points the hosts moved up to fourth in the table.
Edinburgh took the lead in the opening minute, Godman launching a cross-field kick that left the Ulster backline offside - the stand-off slotting the penalty from 40 metres out.
And on six minutes winger Andy Turnbull set up the opening try with a surging run from his own 22, and the Scots were able to keep the ball alive in a flowing move that full-back Southwell finished off in the corner.
Godman did well to convert from wide out, giving the hosts a 10-0 advantage, and although Ian Humphreys put Ulster on the scoresheet, the Scottish international was on target again to extend the lead once more.
Clever chip
Edinburgh then drove home their early superiority with a second try, Mike Blair putting through a clever chip which flanker Roddy Grant got to first.
Once again they were able to move the ball swiftly allowing Hamilton to rumble over from close range.
Humphreys sent over two penalties before the break to keep the visitors in touch at 18-9, and the Scots squandered opportunities to put the game to bed after the interval, allowing Humphreys to close the gap further.
On the hour, Godman re-built the nine-point margin and despite plenty of possession the Ulstermen only had a last-minute penalty from Paddy Wallace to show for their efforts, at least earning them a losing bonus point.
