BBC SPORT | WELSH-SCOTTISH RUGBY | Reivers leave Glasgow stunned

Glasgow Caledonians 32-35 Edinburgh Reivers

It was a black night for Glasgow Caledonians and the Scotland selectors as Edinburgh Reivers won a Welsh-Scottish League derby thriller at Hughenden.

Scotland winger James Craig and Caley team-mate Shaun Longstaff were both taken off injured and could be doubtful for the remaining international fixtures.

And it was a disappointing return to the side for former international captain Andy Nicol, who had been determined to prove a point after being dropped for last weekend's Six Nations defeat of Italy.

Caley had been hoping to use the clash postponed from December to bounce back from defeat in Cardiff a fortnight ago.

Despite that reverse, the Glasgow side had been doing the better of the two Scottish superteams in the Welsh-Scottish set-up.

Stirring recovery

But it was Reivers who gained revenge for defeat earlier in the season and lifted themselves above Glasgow in the league table, although the home side have played three games less.

Caley got off to a flier before being pegged back by a stirring recovery from the visitors.

Then, in a nerve-jangling finale, it was Reivers who prevailed with a last-gasp try by young prop Allan Jacobsen.

Tries from Gordon Simpson and Jon Stuart along with fine kicking by Tommy Hayes against one penalty from Duncan Hodge gave Caley an 18-3 advantage early on.

But a score by Conan Sharman and more good work from Hodge got Reivers back on track.

Brains in gear

Sharman struck again to level the issue before Stuart also completed his double to edge Reds back in front.

Rowen Shepherd's professional career has ended
In the final minutes, Cammy Murray and Jacobsen went over for Reivers, with James McLaren breaking through in vain for Caley.

Thrilled Reivers coach Frank Hadden insisted his men had deserved their success, while his opposite number Richie Dixon accused his side of failing to get their brains in gear.

Hadden said: "The performance just typified the character we have shown all season, although we haven't always been rewarded for our efforts.

"Our forwards were superb and we got the territorial edge and frustrated Caley by not giving them much of the ball."

Dixon declared: "Rugby is played with the head as well as the body, but we failed to co-ordinate one with the other.

Released from his contract

"Reivers were by far the hungrier team and merited their win.

"Tommy Hayes kept us in the game, but we should have taken advantage of our bright start by closing them out."

Glasgow had announced earlier in the day that they had released former Scotland full-back Rowen Shepherd from his contract.

Dixon had also confirmed that he was interested in bringing Monterferrand tighthead Paul Burnell, who retired from international rugby after the 1999 World Cup, and former Scotland man Paul Burnell to Glasgow.

Those type of signings may be more pressing after defeat by their close rivals.

Glasgow Caledonians: Metcalfe, Craig, A. Bulloch, Stuart, Longstaff, Hayes, Nicol, Hilton, G. Bulloch, McIlwham, Griffiths, White, Simpson, MacFadyen, Petrie.

Replacements: Scott, Harrison, Stewart, Reid, Stott, McLaren, Irving.

Edinburgh Reivers: Paterson, Murray, Di Rollo, Officer, Sharman, Hodge, Burns, Jacobsen, Scott, Smith, Metcalfe, Mackinnon, Leslie, G. Dall, S. Taylor.

Replacements: Robertson, Douglas, A. Dall, M. Taylor, Fairley, Ross, Shiel.

Referee: J Flemming.


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