Scarlets 16 - 17 Edinburgh: Edinburgh edge Scarlets with a blast of Hot Blair

Published on Saturday 5 December 2009 09:42

COACH Rob Moffat gave man of the match David Blair a pat on the back after the Magners League victory over the Scarlets and then apologised for his mis-management of the young outside half.

With Edinburgh desperately fighting to keep their hopes of domestic and European success alive, Blair has been forced to play second fiddle to Scotland pivot Phil Godman so far this season.

But, when given his chance at Parc y Scarlets, the 24-year-old grabbed it with both hands as Moffat's under-strength Edinburgh side picked up another crucial away day success

A first half drop goal and a sublime second half break that led to replacement lock Craig Hamilton's match-winning try, were just two of the stand out moments of a controlled performance from the former Sale stand off.

And Moffat was the first to salute Godman's deputy before admitting that he has dealt badly with the youngster's development.

Moffat said: "He would be the first to admit that he did not have a great first half but he showed terrific quality in the second half.

"Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world and I have to admit that I have not managed him well. Phil Godman has played constantly at outside half, so to come in for a game of this nature is not easy.

"All credit must go to him for the way he did tonight. I am delighted for him and once again, it gives me another selection headache."

Moffat's side were missing key players in Godman, Mike Blair and Ally Hogg. However, despite trailing for much of the first half, they struck a double blow after the break and went home with four more valuable points.

Moffat added: "I suppose the Scarlets will claim that, on chances created, they deserved to win. Having said that, I felt we stuck in there and took our opportunities well when they came our way.

"I am delighted to go home from Wales with a valuable win under our belts. We were disappointed after the Dragons defeat, but this is the perfect way to strike back."

Outside halves Rhys Priestland and Blair struck a penalty and drop goal respectively within the opening 10 minutes of a game that featured plenty of the kind of aimless open-field punting that is currently blighting rugby.

Edinburgh showed great endeavour at the breakdown, where Scott Newlands and Roddy Grant were outstanding but, with the wet and windy conditions dictating the mode of attack, it looked likely to be another drab contest that would be decided by the boot.

The monotony was broken on the half hour when Wales centre Jonathan Davies and winger Andrew Fenby opted against kicking away possession in the Edinburgh half. The pair combined well on the touchline and, when Fenby drew full-back Chris Paterson, openside Richie Pugh appeared on his shoulder and crossed for a try. Priestland failed to convert.

Seven minutes into the second half Edinburgh found themselves in front for the first time when Paterson converted a try from half-back partner Greig Laidlaw.

Television official Nigel Whitehouse denied Geoff Cross a rare try when he appeared to have muscled his way over but, a minute later, Laidlaw picked up from a ruck on the line and nipped in with Paterson adding the extras.

Lee Williams restored the Scarlets lead after Martin Roberts had almost blown a three-man overlap but, after Stephen Jones had spurned the conversion, Blair out-witted the Scarlets defensive line and sent in Craig Hamilton for a try which Paterson converted.

A yellow card for replacement Josh Turnbull gifted Edinburgh a numerical advantage after 56 minutes but, a minute before his return, Jones brought the Scarlets back to within a point with a penalty.

However, the Scarlets' late efforts were in vain and Edinburgh took another step towards the end-of-season play-offs.

Moffat said; "It was tough in the end and they came at us quite strong. However, we, too, had our chances and I was delighted with the manner in which we took them.

"It was never going to be a high-scoring game but we are not too worried about that. I'm just pleased that we go into next weekend's Heineken Cup game against Bath with a win under our belts."

Scorers:

Scarlets: Tries: Pugh, Williams; Penalties: Priestland, Jones.Edinburgh: Tries: Laidlaw, C Hamilton; Conversions: Paterson (2); Drop goal: D Blair.

Scarlets: D Evans (S Jones 48); L Williams, S Lamont, J Davies, A Fenby; R Priestland, M Roberts; I Thomas (P John 65), K Owens, D Manu, L Reed, D Day (V Cooper 76), S Easterby (J Turnbull 57), R Pugh, D Lyons (c).

Edinburgh: C Paterson (c) (J Houston 59); M Robertson (J Thompson 48), B Cairns, N De Luca, T Visser; D Blair, G Laidlaw; A Jacobsen (K Traynor 52), A Kelly (R Ford 59), G Cross, S Turnbull (C Hamilton 40), S MacLeod, A Macdonald, R Grant, S Newlands (D Callam 68).