Glasgow Warriors snatched their first Heineken Cup win of the season on Saturday as they knocked Northampton Saints out with a sensational last gasp try from replacement back Peter Horne, who sprinted half the length of the pitch at Scotstoun.
Saints needed a bonus-point victory to stand a chance of qualifying for the last eight, and when Ben Foden scored to tie things up at 20-20 with ten minutes left in the game, it looked possible.
A penalty with two minutes to play then allowed them to kick for the corner and drive things up in search of the fourth try, but indiscipline from prop Alex Waller resulted in a yellow card for punching, and a chance for Glasgow to clear up field.
What followed was a truly memorable try on full time, rich reward for the the loyal 4293 fans that braved the icy conditions. “To get a finish like that was great.” said head coach Gregor Townsend.
“It’s a reminder of where we should be, winning games in the Heineken Cup. We have been competitive, but we’re here to win and that will be a good boost to us in the knowledge that if we play well, we’ll get the win.
“If there is any player that deserves a try like that it is Peter Horne. He puts in the most work of any player to improve himself. He is really committed. He gets back on his feet and makes tackle after tackle. Not just the finish, which was outstanding, but his pass and support work.”
The Warriors had only pride at stake, but that was enough as they pulled the win out the bag right at the death, with Horne being swamped by team mates after scoring one of the tries of the season.
“I’ve never been kissed by so many boys,” he said post match.
View the Alex Waller punch and yellow card that occurred just minutes before this try.
