Edinburgh survive scare to defeat Ospreys

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EDINBURGH survived a second-half scare to stave off the Magners League challenge of a depleted Neath Swansea Ospreys at Murrayfield last night.

Edinburgh could not have wished for a brighter start as they surged ahead with barely 60 seconds on the clock.

Back-row pair Ross Rennie and Ally Hogg inflicted the initial damage before Nick De Luca plunged over in the corner. Chris Paterson added the extra points.

The Gunners retained the upper hand, although they surrendered some impetus when Matthew Jarvis landed a penalty to claw back three points for the Ospreys.

Paterson replied in identical fashion and his penalty duel with Jarvis continued as the visiting marksman kept the margin to four points.

Edinburgh stretched their advantage again midway through the half as Phil Godman clipped over an opportunist drop goal. Paterson struck again to open up a 10-point cushion.

He completed his treble six minutes later to put the capital side firmly in control.

Edinburgh delivered a further dent to the Ospreys when prop Geoff Cross claimed the second try from point-blank range, converted by the confident Paterson.

Ospreys opted to go for goal with a penalty four minutes after the restart, and Jarvis notched his treble.

Even better was to come for the Welsh side when Aberdonian Nikki Walker scorched over for a top-notch try after a sizzling handling sequence involving at least six men. Jarvis added the conversion to heap more pressure on the Gunners.

There was further trouble for Edinburgh when Cross was yellow-carded for side entry at the breakdown.

The Ospreys revival was halted as Paterson banged over his fifth penalty.