Edinburgh freeze out Blues
Edinburgh moved up to third in the Magners League with a 21-12 victory over Cardiff Blues at a freezing Murrayfield.
Last Updated: 10/01/10 12:46am
Edinburgh scored their first try in four matches in their 21-12 win over Cardiff Blues at Murrayfield - a result that moves them up to third in the Magners League.
Ross Rennie was the man to end the home side's try-less streak before Jim Thompson also crossed at the start of the second half.
Chris Paterson kicked three penalties and a conversion to see the Gunners to glory in front of a crowd of 1,565 that braved the freezing conditions.
All Cardiff managed in reply were four penalties - three of which were kicked by fly-half Ceri Sweeney - as they failed to even claim a losing bonus point.
Strong defence
Blues had plenty of ball but came up against a strong Edinburgh defence that had a makeshift back-row of Alan MacDonald, Roddy Grant and Rennie.
They also had a rookie at number 10 but Rory Hutton enjoyed a dream debut for Edinburgh, including setting up the decisive opening try.
After Paterson and Sweeney had both kicked two penalties apiece, the fly-half threw an outrageous dummy to break clear. Although he was caught short of the line, the ball was recycled for Rennie to dive over.
With the conversion successful, the hosts were seven points clear at the break. They moved further ahead at the start of the second half when Tim Visser sent fellow winger Thompson scampering over.
Cardiff turned up the pressure in an attempt to find a way back into the game but continously came up against a rock-solid defensive line.
A long-range penalty from full-back Leigh Halfpenny, which he won himself by collecting his own kick, and then three further points from Sweeney did keep them in contention.
However Paterson replied with a penalty of his own with 12 minutes to play and Edinburgh remained well clear through to the final whistle.
