Paterson puts Edinburgh in good shape for Wasps test, says Cross

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 09:06

EDINBURGH try hero Geoff Cross has hailed the contribution of points machine Chris Paterson to a Celtic League win that gives a springboard into Friday's vital Heineken European Cup clash against former champions London Wasps at Murrayfield.

Edinburgh must win to keep qualification hopes alive and prop forward Cross, who posted his first competitive score of the season in a 32-16 win over the Ospreys, says there is plenty to be taken forward, including the marksmanship of 19-point accumulator Paterson.

Referring to his try, Cross said: "It was (from) less than a metre out, but it was an important one.

"We had been pressuring their line with some repeat scrummages.

"The scrum had fractured and we were on their line putting them under a lot of pressure.

"It was good to turn that pressure into points and Chris Paterson, who is a very good goal kicker, managed to kick the conversion as well. It is great to have a kicker of that calibre behind you." Cross can take heart from already having done try-scoring damage against Wasps, albeit in a pre-season friendly win also in the Capital.

Recalling that occasion, he says: "My try on Friday night was a lot closer than the Wasps one."

Since then Cross has missed only one Edinburgh start and sets such high standards he refuses to be content with a win alone. "It was very disappointing and frustrating to see the change in the performance of the Edinburgh team from the first half and the second half.

"In the first half, I think we played more rugby and kicked it less. We won more collisions in the first half as well," he said.