The Emirates Lions took on Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on Saturday and despite some brilliant play by Francke Horn on the attack and defence, Edinburgh managed to hold on for a 17-16 win.
Edinburgh threatened to run away with this match, however, they could only score one try early in the first half to lead 07-06 at the halftime break. Brilliant defence by both sides kept the crown on their feet with Edinburgh able to hold on for a 1-point win.
Edinburgh controlled the match from the starting whistle and set up camp in the 14-man Lions 22m for the first 10 minutes. Luke Crosbie bulldozed his way over the Lions' tryline following several forwards attempting to score from a 5m lineout.
Two minutes later Jordan Hendrikse converted a penalty for the Lions to reduce Edinburgh's lead to 07-03.
The Edinburgh assault on the Lions' tryline mercilessly continued for an extended period. However, the Lions slowly clawed their way back into the match and the second penalty converted by Jordan Hendrikse cut Edinburgh's lead to 07-06 and seconds to play in the first half.
Ben Healy converted a penalty after two minutes of play in the second half to extend Edinburgh's lead to 10-06.
The Emirates Lions started the second half looking a lot better and dominated possession and territory. Francke Horn eventually bulldozed his way over the tryline after he broke off from the back of a lineout maul.
However, Edinburgh's replacement hooker Ewan Ashman had an immediate effect when he replaced Dave Cherry and scored Edinburgh's second try, cutting through the defence of the Lions to run 20 meters for his try. With 15 minutes left to play in the second half, Edinburgh led 17-13.
Despite Jordan Hendrikse's converted penalty with 12 minutes to go, Edinburgh held on to secure a 17-16 win.
Scorers:
Edinburgh: Tries: Luke Crosbie, Ewan Ashman. Conversions: Ben Healy (2). Penalty: Ben Healy
Emirates Lions: Try: Francke Horn. Conversion: Jordan Hendrikse. Penalties: Jordan Hendrikse (3).
