Edinburgh hold off Aironi
Edinburgh avoided becoming the first scalp for new boys Aironi as a late try clinched them a 10-9 victory in Viadana.
Last Updated: 02/10/10 9:19pm
Edinburgh avoided becoming the first scalp for Magners League new boys Aironi as a late, late converted try clinched them a 10-9 victory in Viadana.
Replacement prop Allan Jacobsen crossed in the closing stages at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella with Davi Blair adding the conversion to steal the win.
For much of the match it had appeared Aironi would be the side to come out top. They had led 6-3 at the interval thanks to two penalties from experienced fly-half Ludovic Mercier.
Blair had broken the deadlock after just four minutes by slotting over a three-pointer of his own after his up-and-under had troubled the home team.
However former Gloucester man Mercier quickly levelled the scores after the Gunners were penalised for collapsing a scrum in front of their own posts.
Successful kick
The number 10 was off target with a drop goal and a penalty before pushing the hosts back in front with a second successful kick right on the stroke of the interval at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella.
Aironi continued to impress in the second hald and were gifted the chance to move further clear when Edinburgh flanker Alan MacDonald was sent to the sin-bin.
They had a series of drives close to the line but the 14 men held firm, the Italians instead having to rely on replacement Riccardo Bocchino's boot to kick them further clear with a penalty 10 minutes from time.
It seemed that would be enough for Aironi to break their duck but the Gunners fired back. Their cause was helped with lock Carlo Antonio del Fava yellow carded for stopping a powerful maul.
Opting to go for the line-out from the resulting penalty, Jacobsen smashed his way through to the line. Blair added the extras to spare Edinburgh blushes.
