Glasgow Warriors have one hand on the 1872 Cup after Josh Strauss’s first-half try was the tipping point in an error-strewn contest. Edinburgh have lost nine of the last ten contests between the Scottish rivals and were always likely to be up against it with Gregor Townsend’s team unbeaten in GUINNESS PRO12 contests at Scotstoun in 13 months. However, the home team’s failure to turn their superiority into further scores gives Edinburgh hope of overturning a ten-point deficit in next weekend’s rematch to grab the 1872 Cup from Glasgow’s grasp. Edinburgh, the first winners of the trophy 142 years ago, drew first blood, with Sam Hidalgo-Clyne slotting over a straightforward penalty after the Glasgow defence had been penalised for an offside. Duncan Weir levelled for Glasgow on 16 minutes though, then kicked the home side ahead for the first time in the match shortly before the interval with another penalty from 40 metres – the eighth Edinburgh had conceded in the opening period. And four minutes before the interval Glasgow – marshalled superbly throughout by the returning Al Kellock – bagged the game’s only try. Weir chipped the ball out to the right, Sean Lamont – making his 100th Glasgow Warriors appearance – powered past the challenge of Tom Brown then off-loaded inside to Strauss who dived over. Weir added the extras. A scrappy second half saw Tom Heathcote reduce the arrears with a penalty from 22 metres. His score coming 12 minutes after the restart, following a fine break from Greig Tonks. Glasgow regained their ten-point advantage though with ten minutes remaining through Weir, after Edinburgh were penalised at the line-out. Weir missed his only kick with three minutes to play though, giving Edinburgh a glimmer of hope for next week. Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12
