OSPREYS OPEN UP LEAD AT THE TOP

Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community Published 11:34 am 31st Jan 2005 post

However the Welsh side were thankful for a late Stefan Terblanche try, converted by Matthew Jones, which allowed them to snatch a dramatic 27-27 draw against Glasgow on Saturday evening. The draw would have reigned them in at the top had it not been for the efforts of a rejuvenated Llanelli Scarlets side who upset the odds at Stradey Park with a 32-17 win over Munster. The bonus point win for the reigning champions lifts them to fifth place, equal on points with the Newport Gwent Dragons who suffered a thumping defeat at the hands of Leinster at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

The Newport based side – who were short of eight Welsh squad members – shipped seven tries as the Dubliners ran out 55-3 winners with David Holwell returning a 100% record with the boot to collect 20 points and Shane Horgan warmed up for the Six nations with two tries. On Friday night Edinburgh became the first Scottish club to win at the Arms Park in the history of the Celtic League when they beat their hosts the Blues 17-12, fending off a second half comeback from the home side.

Friday’s other game saw a less successful outcome for the Scottish contingent with the Borders going down18-9 at home to Connacht. The visitors surged into a 10-0 lead early on and Borders were unable to make up the deficit.