Duhan delivers as Edinburgh make it three wins on the bounce

It was only Edinburgh’s second away win of the season, and their third victory in a row, setting up a home finale against Connacht at Hive Stadium next Friday.

The big pre-match storyline was the return of Van der Merwe, making his first Edinburgh appearance since scoring against Leinster in Dublin back in January – a four-month absence through ankle injury.

Edinburgh were on the front foot early, with Hector Patterson and Graham combining well to keep the Dragons on the back foot. The home side drew first blood through an Angus O’Brien penalty in the eighth minute, but Edinburgh were quick to respond.

Dominant at the scrum and having earned a penalty on 17 minutes, Edinburgh opted to kick to the corner rather than take the easy three – a gamble that paid off. A slick lineout, three phases and a hard line from Ewan Ashman saw the hooker crash over for his eighth try of the season. Ross Thompson converted to make it 3-7.

The Dragons hit back with a driving lineout of their own, Dillon Lewis powering over to restore the home advantage, O’Brien adding the extras. At 10-7, Edinburgh had work to do.

They responded with urgency. A sustained period of possession – somewhere in the region of 20 phases – kept the Dragons pinned deep, and just before the half-time whistle Tom Currie produced a powerful carry to crash over from close range. Thompson converted and Edinburgh went in at the break with a 10-14 lead.

The Dragons came out with intent and drew level within three minutes of the restart, Harrison Keddie finishing a well-worked team move – the conversion making it 15-14. It was anyone’s game.

Edinburgh steadied. A penalty deep in the Dragons 22 was kicked to the corner, and the lineout drive created the platform for a short-side score – Patterson and Thompson combining before the final pass found van der Merwe, who did the rest. 15-21 with the best part of half an hour still to play.

The game then entered a fiercely contested closing period. Dylan Richardson was sin-binned for handling on the ground, before Grant Gilchrist came up with a huge jackal turnover on 62 minutes to halt a sustained Dragons attack. Edinburgh defended for their lives and held firm.

Van der Merwe – as only van der Merwe can – then sealed the win. A short switch from Charlie Shiel, a burst of pace and three defenders left in his wake as he crossed from 15 metres out. 15-24.

Boan Venter picked up a late yellow for a high shot, but Edinburgh closed the game with composure. The final whistle confirmed five points and a return trip north in excellent form.

Ashman, who also claimed the Scottish Building Society Player of the Month award for April this week, rounded off a memorable personal fortnight by being named BKT Player of the Match for the third game in succession – having scored a try in each of Edinburgh’s three straight wins.

Edinburgh now turn their attention to a home send-off, with Connacht visiting Hive Stadium next Friday (15 May) in the final round of URC regular season action. With three wins on the bounce and momentum firmly behind them, Everitt’s side will be looking to finish the home campaign in style.