Glasgow relish record support

The Magners League leaders welcomed a record crowd to Firhill on Sunday afternoon for the first of their back-to-back 1872 Cup derbies against fellow high flyers Edinburgh.

And Warriors chief executive Kenny Ballie was quick to thank the 8,830 fans who braced the cold weather to watch Sean Lineen's men cement their place at the top of the standings thanks to a hard-fought 25-12 victory.

"Glasgow's support has steadily increased over the past few years and it is testament to the hard work of our staff that we have yet again broken the attendance barrier for professional rugby in the west of Scotland," said Ballie, after 20 points from Dan Parks and a try from Richie Vernon saw Glasgow home.

"The Warriors have huge potential off the field, as well as on it, and Sunday's attendance reaffirms the appetite that exists for top level sport in Glasgow.

"It's exciting to see Scotland's two professional teams competing for success in the Magners League and it gives me particular delight that Glasgow are leading the way.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all those that came to Firhill for the game and hope to see them back here in the near future."

Glasgow's current position as the league's top team is now being reflected in their attendance figures, with Sunday's crowd almost double the number that saw the same fixture two years ago.

In 2007, 4,731 fans watched the Warriors win 23-14 at Firhill, some 4,099 less than this year's clash.