GEOFF CROSS was today tipped to become one of the rising stars of Scottish rugby after the stalwart prop came off the bench to once again help Edinburgh defeat Magners Celtic League high-flyers, Leinster, at Murrayfield.
Just as in a European Cup success over the same rivals in December, 25-year-old Cross emerged to ensure Edinburgh at least held their own up front and his performance was quick to gain the respect of Test hooker Ross Ford.
Aware that Cross has ha
d to balance a medical degree with rugby aspirations Ford is hoping that the way is clear for his colleague in the front row to really make his mark on the pitch.
"Every time he comes on Geoff Cross never lets you down.
"On the ball he makes yards and he is a good scrummager.
"Geoff is someone you can rely on and I definitely expect him to kick on next season when the target for him must be a regular starting place for Edinburgh."
The Capital side's 15-13 win to ring down the curtain on their home campaign (there are still two away visits remaining) was also a personal triumph for Ford. In only his second match back from injury the hooker claimed his first try since the defeat of Leicester in January.
"I found myself confronting a back on my way to the line and had to fancy my chances in that situation," said the 16 stone powerhouse.
"Above all we let the fans down at Glasgow a week earlier so it was good to give them something positive to remember us by over the summer," added Ford.
The full article contains 284 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
