ANDY ROBINSON'S experience of being 'kicked all around Wales' helped to drive Edinburgh to a fourth-successive victory on Welsh soil this season.
The visitors, who had made it three wins out of three in the principality by beating the Ospreys in
Swansea ten days ago, made it four out of four at Stradey Park on Saturday evening to make sure of a fourth-place finish in the Magners League.
Robinson admitted that his side's record in the Wales might have something to do with his nasty experience as a player with Bath.
He said: "We have done well down there this season, maybe our attitude has something to do with the fact that when I was a player with Bath, I was kicked all around Wales. The boys know that, so it could be that they don't want to experience that feeling.
"On top of that, I think the boys have shown real tactical nous in their games in Wales and all credit to them for that.
"What pleased me most on this occasion was the middle section of the game. We scored four very good tries and showed terrific control. Our defence was good and we held on when they pushed us at the end.
"We have spent along time this season talking about how to win away from home, so to put our words in to practice at a very difficult venue, is particularly pleasing.
"I knew it was in us because when I arrived here, the spirit was outstanding. We just needed to work out a few things and believe in ourselves. This was a great way to finish the season."
It might have been a different story had Edinburgh not have rescued an early position which looked somewhat precarious.
The Scarlets, in obvious turmoil after the recent, shock departure of coach Phil Davies, began with a bang and enjoyed total domination in all areas of the game.
In fact, had it not have been for one or two slipshod passes and a poor choice of option from centre Nathan Brew, the Welsh region would have taken the lead far sooner than they did.
In the end, their opening contribution came in the 14th minute when Samoan World Cup hooker Mahonri Schwalger appeared on the touchline to finish a slick handling move that had the Scarlets written all over it.
Outside half Rhys Priestland's touchline conversion improved their position, although from that juncture there was little or no joy for the hosts.
In contrast, Edinburgh, who had woken from their early slumber, struck back in the 19th minute when a wonderfully weighted pass from centre Ben Cairns sent in lock Ben Gissing for a try which Callum MacRae converted.
Sadly for Macrae, that was his final contribution, as he left with injury shortly after. Any worries that his departure would destabilise matters were soon dispelled though – after 33 minutes, wing Andrew Turnbull raced on to a flighted pass from Phil Godman to score his side's second try.
Suddenly, the visitors found themselves in position to secure a fourth successive victory this season on Welsh soil, and that possibility increased considerably two minutes into the second half when flanker and captain Ali Hogg appeared on the shoulder of galloping lock Matt Mutschin to score at the posts.
Godman's conversion put further daylight between the sides and with the Scarlets offering precious little in the way of a serious challenge, Edinburgh turned the screw and made doubly sure that there would be no transformation in fortunes in the final quarter.
The outstanding Mike Blair rounded off a typically clinical performance when he took receipt of a try scoring pass from centre Nick De Luca to secure the bonus point. David Blair rubbed salt into the Scarlets' wound with a penalty shortly after.
Leading try scorer Dafydd James did provide some consolation with a try three minutes from time, but by that time Edinburgh were home and dry and looking forward to next season with relish.
"What is also very pleasing is the fact that we finished ahead of Glasgow," added Robinson. "Sean Lineen and I have a very good relationship although I have to admit that we didn't speak for a week after they beat us."
"He wants a strong Glasgow and I want a strong Edinburgh. If we continue to improve next season as we have this, it can only be good for the profile of Scottish rugby."
Scorers: Scarlets: Tries: Schwalger, James. Conversion: Priestland
Edinburgh: Tries: Gissing, Turnbull, Hogg, Blair. Conversions: MacRae, Godman (2). Penalty: D Blair
Referee: D Wilkinson (IRU)
Attendance: 6500
Scarlets: D Evans; D James, G Evans, N Brew (D Danniel 59), M Watkins; R Priestland (C Thomas 43), L Davies (G Cattle 69); P John (I Thomas 46), M Schwalger (K Owens 68), D Manu, V Cooper (L Reed 66), S MacLeod, S Easterby (capt), J Edwards (N Thomas 66), J Bater
Edinburgh: H Southwell; C MacRae (M Robertson 22), B Cairns, N De Luca, A Turnbull, P Godman (D Blair 54), M Blair (G Laidlaw 54); A Allori (G Cross 58), R Ford (S Lawrie 1), G Cross (A Jacobsen 40), M Mustchin (C Hamilton 59), B Gissing, A Hogg (capt), A MacDonald, D Callam (S Newlands 66)
The full article contains 893 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
