Edinburgh in the driving seat

With the largest and loudest crowd of the season to date, the pre-game atmosphere was electric, both teams were buzzing, knowing full well that the victorious team would take control of the league. Aberdeen kicked off the first half with the viciously strong wind behind them, making it very hard for the home side to kick out of their own half. So instead of kicking, they drove themselves out metre by metre using the power and control of their forwards, who were fantastic all day. Remarkably it was Edinburgh who enjoyed the majority of possession and territory even though the wind was making it impossible for any sort of running game. This didn’t go unrewarded, as within minutes Edinburgh’s pack was able to crash over to give them a 7-0 advantage courtesy of their number eight James Morrison. The remainder of the half consisted of Aberdeen using the wind to pin Edinburgh into the corners, but this was to no avail as Edinburgh’s powerful ball carriers were able to edge their way back up the field time and time again.

In the second half it was now Edinburgh’s turn to play with the wind behind them, which they utilized to great effect. With Edinburgh’s forwards being so effective it was near impossible for Aberdeen to stop them from coming down the field. Very soon Edinburgh found themselves once again attacking the try line of the opposition. This time it was a superb driving maul which enabled them to touch down in the corner to make it 12-0. Aberdeen, determined to get back into the game came back at the home side with a new found aggression and for a good 15 minutes had Edinburgh camped on their own try line. However, huge hits from likes of Phil Lucas caused them to spill the ball and allow Edinburgh to kick to safety. From that moment on it was all Edinburgh. A penalty from Rob Cuthberson and tries from Jamie Doubleday and winger Calum Williams put the game to bed. The score finished 30 points to three but had it not been for the wind it could well have been more. Edinburgh are now three points clear in the league and will want - in next week’s game - to stretch the margin even further.