Glasgow back on top as Morgan Morris the hero for Ospreys

GREGOR HIDDLESTON DOUBLE HELPS SEND GLASGOW TOP

Glasgow hooker Gregor Hiddleston scored two first-half tries in their 36-19 win against Connacht at Scotstoun Stadium, which lifted them top of the United Rugby Championship table.

After Connacht fly-half Ciaran Frawley’s missed drop-goal attempt, the visitors powered into an early lead through number eight Sean Jansen’s converted try before Glasgow seized control with three scores before half-time.

Hiddleston touched down to reduce the deficit and after flanker Rory Darge had gone over for a converted score, the hooker went over for his second try, with George Horne adding two conversions to put Glasgow 19-7 up at half-time.

Warriors full-back Josh McKay raced in for the home side’s fourth try, converted by Horne, soon after the restart to extend their lead to 26-7, but Connacht were quick to respond as full-back Josh Ioane touched down and Frawley added the extras.

Kiwi fly-half Ioane went over for his second and Connacht’s third try – Frawley missed his conversion attempt – to leave his side trailing 26-19 with 17 minutes left.

Glasgow then halted Connacht’s momentum as replacement hooker Seb Stephen touched down for their fifth try, converted by Horne, to make it 33-19.

Connacht’s hopes of a fightback were dealt another blow when replacement second-row Josh Murphy was sin-binned.

Glasgow finished with 14 men after Scott Cummings’ late yellow card, but fly-half Dan Lancaster landed a late penalty to complete the scoring.

OSPREYS UP AND RUNNING THANKS TO MORGAN MORRIS

Morgan Morris touched down twice in the last nine minutes as Ospreys snatched their first victory of the URC season, 38-31 away to in-form Dragons.

In a bruising, physical Welsh derby that left two players from each side forced off through injury, it was the visitors who powered through at Rodney Parade.

Dragons, second top after three rounds, held a narrow 14-12 lead at the interval, Elliot Dee’s opening score bettered by Keelan Giles and Ross Moriarty only for the latter to be penalised on the cusp of half-time. Moriarty coughed up a penalty try on the line and was sent to the sin-bin as the hosts went in ahead.

Mauls and drives were the order of the day as Ospreys co-captain Sam Parry powered over twice, either side of a second from Dee. Anzelo Tuitavuki then finished off a rare flowing move to make it 28-26 to Dragons – a score that held until Morris bundled over from close range in the 71st minute.

A tense finish ensued, and it was number eight Morris who found himself stationed to make the final push as Mark Jones’ side made it safe with a patient late attack.

Dan Edwards landed his fourth conversion of the night, but the home side still had time to salvage a second bonus point, with Angus O’Brien slotting a last-ditch penalty.