Leinster ‘A’ continued their unbeaten run in this season’s British & Irish Cup with a 36-10 bonus point victory over Ealing Trailfinders in west London.
Dan Leavy was the standout performer with a hat-trick of tries and an energetic performance on the flank, and there were also tries from wingers Adam Byrne and Mick McGrath. Out-half Cathal Marsh ended with a near perfect day after converting four of the tries and a penalty for a personal haul of 11 points.
With both teams used to playing on all-weather pitches, there was a frenetic opening period with Leinster 'A', in particular, aiming to move the ball wide as soon as possible.
They missed a great opportunity to open the scoring on five minutes when Tadhg Beirne opted to pass inside despite Cian Kelleher being free outside him.
Shortly afterwards, though, the province opened the scoring when Byrne stepped through a gap after Ross Molony had won lineout ball, but Ealing Trailfinders hit back immediately when James Stephenson forced his way over in the corner.
Leinster 'A' continued to strengthen their grip on proceedings and Leavy scored a second try when he was driven over from a lineout. They were only denied a third when Byrne was unable to control his kick through over the line, but Mick McGrath escaped down the left wing soon after.
The hosts stuck to their game-plan and enjoyed a good period as the first half came to a close, but were unable to find a way through the blue-shirted defence as they trailed 24-5.
The second period began in similar fashion to the first with both teams trying to stretch the play, but with defences continuing to stay on top. Eventually Leinster 'A' made the breakthrough when Leavy scored his second in similar style to his first from a driven lineout.
A Joe Munro kick through on 55 minutes gave Ealing Trailfinders good field position, but again they were unable to take advantage. Although a powerful Stephenson hit on Byrne lifted the team, it was Leinster 'A' who came closest to adding to the score when captain Peadar Timmins knocked on over the line.
Leavy was denied a hat-trick when he was held up from another driven lineout and good work from Adam Preocanin secured the turnover. After clearing from their half, Alex Bradley's charge took the home side to within touching distance of the try-line and eventually Carwyn Jones drove over from close range.
However, Leinster 'A' immediately hit back when Leavy was driven over for his third touchdown of the afternoon and they comfortably closed the match out to ensure a happy flight back over the Irish Sea.
Referee: Dan Jones (Wales)
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