Rugby: Webster enjoys fine return as 'Sonians notch first win

Edinburgh star Simon Webster had double cause for celebration after he emerged unscathed from his comeback game and helped Watsonians to their first win of the Premiership campaign on Saturday.

Webster, who had been out of action for almost six months, entered the fray at half time of 'Sonians maiden victory under the stewardship of Marcus Di Rollo, bringing his experience to bear as the Myreside men overturned a 13-3 interval deficit to grind out a 15-13 success over Stirling County.

Reflecting on his contribution, the 29-year-old, 37 times capped wing or centre said: "I wanted to help Watsonians as much as possible but from a selfish point of view, it was really important to get a run out - to keep my sanity and remind me that I'm still a rugby player.

"I feel like I've been training and running around for a long time now, so it was a natural progression for me to get a bit of game time.

"I felt okay. I've done a lot of swimming and biking, but nothing is like rugby. I felt really good running around on the pitch, and I'm really pleased with that."

After defeats in each of their six league matches to date, 'Sonians started the game well and opened the scoring when Jamie Forbes booted an early penalty which was cancelled out by Stuart Edwards.

Forbes rattled a post with his next effort on goal and the visitors seized the initiative when Bengy Barsati powered over for a try which Edwards converted before slotting a penalty to complete the first-half scoring.

Webster made his first major contribution when he broke from deep and carried the ball into the County half before it was recycled and moved wide where Jamie Blackwood and Dougie Brown combined to send Alan Nash over for a well-worked try.

The hosts completed their fight back when Andrew Porter finished off a sparkling move by slicing through the visitors' defence to touch down and leave Andrew Skeen a simple conversion.

With the momentum in their favour, the Capital side should have added to their tally, but lacked the essential composure in sight of the line and Forbes fluffed a straightforward penalty effort before striking the woodwork for the second time with a drop goal attempt.

Nevertheless, 'Sonians finished the game in the ascendancy and confined the visitors to their own half as the clock ticked down.

Having seen his side splutter through their earlier matches, Di Rollo was delighted that his men had finally capitalised on a winning opportunity that should boost their morale.

"Towards the end of the game, there was a bit of self belief," he said. "We also should have probably scored a couple of more tries and we hit the post with a couple of kicks, so there are a lot of positives to take out of that.

"It's good that we have got that elusive win, so it will make a bit of a difference for the guys."