Leinster 'A' claim spoils in 11-try thriller

Leinster sealed a 46-35 win over Bristol to continue their 100 per cent record in this season's B&I Cup (stock photo)

December 09 2017 02:30 AM

Leinster maintained their 100pc record in this season's B&I Cup and edged an 11-try classic against Pat Lam's second-string Bristol at Ashton Gate.

A couple of Cathal Marsh penalties got Leinster up and running inside the first four minutes, but debutant Sam Graham and Tom Varndell's tries gave Bristol an eight-point lead by the quarter-hour mark.

Two tries in the space of two minutes gave Leinster the lead again, before Matt Protheroe cut a great line through Leinster A as Bristol hit the front again.

Bryan Byrne scored off the back of a rolling maul to give Leinster A a 27-21 half-time lead, which was added to straight after the restart when Gavin Mullin scored his second try.

Ian Nagle and Peadar Timmins also dotted down to clinch a 46-35 win for Leinster.

Meanwhile, in the battle of Pool 1's two undefeated teams, Munster A slumped to a 25-14 loss as Bedford held the home side scoreless in the second half at Irish Independent Park.

Tries from Jack Power and Alex McHenry saw Munster claim a 14-0 lead on 24 minutes but Bedford rallied well, scoring three tries and keeping the hosts at bay thereafter.