Connolly begins with loss
August 31, 2002

Late tries by Chris Paterson and Ally Hogg, along with several vital kicks from Brendan Laney, gave Edinburgh 30-20 win to start their Celtic League campaign at Meadowbank.

The home side had almost broken the deadlock when Marcus Di Rollo released Simon Taylor, who was floored just a couple of paces from the line.

Swansea made the most of their reprieve by snatching the lead with an Arwel Thomas penalty after Paterson had failed to free the ball quickly enough in contact. But Edinburgh replied in identical fashion as Laney found the target.

The strike acted as a confidence booster and Laney fired over two more penalties in quick succession - but they suffered another blow just before the break when the Welshmen bagged a controversial try.

Ally Kellock appeared to be illegally shoved off the ball, allowing Shaun Payne to scuttle in to give Thomas a simple conversion.

Laney was back in action to claim penalty number four in the 54th minute - then came Paterson's try.

Laney converted before swapping penalties with Thomas to set up a tense finale.

And the Gunners killed off Swansea with another Laney kick, followed by a try from substitute Hogg.

Swansea grabbed a late consolation score through Kevin Morgan, goaled by Gavin Henson.

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