Glasgow struggle past Viadana

Glasgow overcame a determined Viadana side to record an all-important 18-15 win at the Stadio Communale.

The Magners League outfit made hard work of seeing off their Italian opponents, both sides scoring two tries apiece in a tight Heineken Cup contest.

In the end the difference between the two teams was Dan Parks' boot, the Scotland international slotting over a conversion and two penalties.

The victory means Glasgow can still qualify for the last eight of the Heineken Cup, though they will need other results to go their way.

However, they will have to play much better if they are to beat Saracens next Friday at home after struggling to get past the bottom side in Pool Four.

Once again Viadana came close to causing an upset, just as they had against Sarries in their last outing.

Erasmus brace

The hosts were 12-10 up at half-time after Jacobs Erasmus crossed twice, Calvin Howarth managing to convert the first of the number eight's brace.

The Warriors had scored the opening try on 23 minutes through Kelly Brown but failed to build on the flanker's effort, allowing the Italians to come back and hit the front.

Parks did manage to add the extras and was also on target with a penalty attempt just before the interval, cutting the gap down to two points.

A further three points from the fly-half six minutes into the second half pushed Glasgow into a lead they would not surrender.

Bernardo Stortoni's try just after the hour mark finally put some daylight between the teams, although this time Parks was off target with his kick.

Corrado Pilat's late penalty set up a tense finish but the visitors held on, meaning Viadana only ended up with another losing bonus point for their valiant efforts.

"It was not a great game - they made it hard for us, we made it hard for us, the referee made it hard for us" said Glasgow coach Sean Lineen.

"Viadana were struggling in the contact phase but a weak referee let anything go by. They were offside all the time but we did not deal with that situation.

"The way we have been playing I'll take the win."