EDINBURGH BEAT LIONS 31-10 FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN

Edinburgh beat the Lions 31-10 at Hive Stadium to maintain their winning start to the United Rugby Championship season. Scrum-half Hector Patterson scored twice and set up two tries, two days after signing an improved contract with Edinburgh. Matt Currie, Mosese Tuipulotu and Geordie Gwynn also scored as Edinburgh secured a bonus point. Sean Everitt’s team have won all four of their league matches and sit top of the table on 19 points.

Currie opened the scoring in the 19th minute after combining with Patterson down the left, before Chris Smith cut the lead with a penalty. Tuipulotu had a try ruled out for a knock-on shortly after half-time, then scored in the 47th minute from a Patterson offload. Patterson finished an 80-metre move involving O’Conor, Gwynn and Harry Paterson. Batho Hlekani scored the Lions’ only try after a spell of pressure near Edinburgh’s line. Patterson then scored from a quick tap penalty before Gwynn crossed late on.

Grayson kicked two conversions for Edinburgh and Scott added a third, while Smith converted Hlekani’s try. Duhan van der Merwe left the field less than 20 minutes into his first start after injury. Spectators at Hive Stadium applauded Lions lock Hyron Andrews in the fifth minute following his death the previous week. The match took place in wet and windy conditions in Edinburgh. The Lions have won two of their four league matches.