Ten-try Leinster ‘A’ secured a stunning victory against Richmond as they made a flying start to their British & Irish Cup campaign with a landslide 68-19 win at the Athletic Ground.
Barry Daly and Jimmy O'Brien both grabbed first half braces, with Bryan Byrne also pitching in, while only Charlie Broughton crossed for the hosts as Leinster 'A' showed the full array of their attacking talent in the first half.
Jordan Larmour, the fit-again Jack Conan, Peadar Timmins and James Ryan added further tries in the second. Industrious hooker Byrne also crossed and out-half Ross Byrne was exceptional from the tee, finishing with an 18-point tally.
Tom Sargeant and Sean O'Hagan both scored late on for Richmond, but it was undoubtedly the visitors' day as Sean O'Brien got through 40 minutes of work on his return from injury.
Leinster 'A' quickly displayed their ability as winger Daly smoothly intercepted to take a try within two minutes of kick-off, his UCD colleague Ross Byrne converting before Jimmy O'Brien coasted in for a second moments later.
Richmond refused to lie down and Broughton's stunning break put their first points on the board before captain Tom Platt converted.
Leinster 'A' soon regained possession, centre O'Brien demonstrating his superb speed to take his second try of the match, with the dead-eyed Byrne converting again.
Richmond struggled to put any pressure on Leinster 'A', with Hugh Hogan's men far too comfortable in possession. Daly duly claimed his second try of the game in the far corner after some wonderful team play.
A late try from hooker Byrne, converted by number 10 Byrne, saw the provincial side take a comfortable 33-7 lead at the break.
Ireland international Sean O'Brien – making his first start since his hamstring injury during last season's Six Nations – made couple of breaks, but was replaced after an industrious opening half.
Replacement Larmour got over for the Leinster 'A' team's sixth try of the afternoon with little pressure from Richmond, again converted by Byrne.
Three tries in quick succession saw Conan and Timmins cross with hooker Byrne completing his brace and out-half Byrne converting all three.
Leinster 'A' were well into their stride and Ireland Under-20 captain Ryan notched their tenth try of the match, which Byrne again converted.
The home crowd got behind Richmond and Tom Sargeant scored a well-received try, converted by Platt, but it was not enough to challenge the province before a final converted try for O'Hagan gave further consolation to the hosts.
Referee: Adam Jones (Wales)
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