RUGBY: Tries in either half by left-wing Darragh Fanning proved to be the highlight as Leinster ‘A’ secured a comprehensive 31-0 victory over Cross Keys side in the British & Irish Cup at Donnybrook yesterday afternoon.
After a low-key opening, when Newport Gwent Dragons star Steffan Jones hit the woodwork from a three-point opportunity for Cross Keys, the Blue Army burst into life with a brace of quick-fire tries from hooker Bryan Byrne and the excellent Fanning.
Cathal Marsh was off-target from the bonus kicks but he managed to find his range with penalties in the 30th and 40th minutes which gave Leinster ‘A’ a commanding 16-0 interval lead.
The St Mary’s College out-half was then on hand to increase his side’s lead with a three-pointer from distance nine minutes after the restart, and further five-pointers from Fanning and centre Jordan Coghlan sealed a much-deserved bonus-point victory for the reigning champions.