Leinster ‘A’ Make Winning Start
Leinster ‘A’ kicked off their British & Irish Cup campaign with a bonus point 32-18 victory over Esher at Molesey Road on Saturday afternoon.
Noel Reid kicked the visitors into an early 3-0 lead with a penalty which was cancelled out moments later by home full-back Rob Kirby, however Brendan Macken touched down for the game's opening try in the 10th minute to help Leinster 'A' take an 8-3 advantage.
A Leo Auva'a try in the 19th minute stretched the lead, converted by Reid, before the former St. Michael's College out-half added another penalty four minutes later to make it 18-3.
It was all Leinster at his stage but credit to the London club who added their first try of the game in the 36th minute through winger Andy Wright, which was also converted.
However a try from Andrew Conway on the stroke of half-time after a well-worked move, which Reid again converted, gave Leinster 'A' a seemingly conclusive 25-10 lead at the interval.
Credit to Esher who rallied in the second half and their pressure was rewarded with a Kirby penalty and a try on the hour mark from lock James Doherty.
But replacement Ben Marshall's 65th-minute try ensured the bonus point for the province, with Reid again adding the extras.
Referee: Andrew Jackson (England)