Dundee HSFP 17 - 23 Edinburgh Academical

By JACK NIXON
Published on 17/03/2013 02:20

EDINBURGH Accies’ hopes of surviving the RBS Premiership relegation battle were boosted when they eased past fellow strugglers Dundee High in an epic encounter in the mud.

The visiting Raeburn Place side were value for their narrow win, looking the more composed in a tension-filled game which, given the appalling under-foot conditions, was of a remarkably high standard.

The home side settled quicker, taking an eighth-minute lead when lock Richie Hawkins was bundled over the line by his pack. Stand-off Jack Steele added the conversion.

Accies replied in devastating style with two unconverted tries in four minutes from lock Tom Drennan and winger Nyle Godsmark to lead 10-7 at half-time.

The Edinburgh side opened up the gap with a try straight after the break when hooker Michael Liness plunged for a touchdown which was converted by impressive stand-off Ruaridh Bonner.

Dundee High hit back immediately through a Steele penalty, only for the score to be cancelled out by a similar effort from Bonner to make it 20-10 going into the final quarter before flanker Danny Levison reduced the arrears after a searing run. Steele kicked the conversion successfully, but it was the visitors who had the last word in 72 minutes when Bonner kicked his second penalty.

Accies captain Dan Teague, pictured, was the stand out on a day when it was a pity someone had to lose in a great advert for club rugby.