Magners League bottom side Connacht suffered a disappointing defeat at Murrayfield on Friday as Edinburgh got back to winning ways in the competition with a comfortable victory.
Andy Robinson’s Edinburgh side led 13-0 at half time and in a five-minute spell during the third quarter put the game beyond the reach of their opponents with a brace of tries from Ross Ford and Andrew Turnbull.
However, the home side had to wait until the very last minute of the contest to add the bonus point try.
Scotland back rower Allister Hogg got in for the hosts’ fourth try and Chris Paterson converted after a frustrating closing quarter of the contest.
To Connacht’s credit they staged a spirited revival in the final 20 minutes, led by the lively Conor O’Loughlin at scrum half.
The men in green were rewarded with a consolation try from Troy Nathan. Overall, though, this was a night to forget for Michael Bradley’s men.
The first score of the game came on 22 minutes as Edinburgh loosehead prop Kyle Traynor drove over from a five-metre lineout after a well judged Phil Godman penalty had put his side in prime position. Paterson converted from the touchline.
Connacht responded well but their solid scrum and superb lineout was not being transferred into phase building rugby.
Seven minutes after opening the scoring, the home side went further ahead with a Paterson penalty from the ten-metre line.
Ian Keatley missed a very kickable shot at goal as half-time approached and the signs were ominous for the visitors when Paterson got his second three-pointer just before the break, stretching Edinburgh’s advantage to a comfortable 13 points.
Edinburgh opened the second half at break neck pace and they were eventually rewarded for their efforts on 52 minutes.
Ford crowned an impressive return from international duty with a try out wide after some quick tempo offloading.
Turnbull sliced through the visitors’ defence soon after and Paterson converted, having hit the post with the previous attempt.
Losing flanker Ray Ofisa to a subsequent yellow card did little for Connacht’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
The home side will be frustrated with numerous missed try opportunities in the closing stages, however they will take heart from the late surge for the extra point.
The bonus point moves them into fourth place in the table and makes amends for their recent away league defeats to the Scarlets and Munster.
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