Leicester 15 – 23 Leinster

Both sides scored two tries each, but three penalties and a conversion from Leinster’s Harry Byrne proved decisive as Leicester’s European campaign continues to falter as they were left pointless after opening two Investec Champions Cup matches.

Harry Byrne’s strike helped Leinster to a Champions Cup win over Leicester

Harry Byrne’s goal proved the difference as error-ridden Leinster prevented a determined Leicester from claiming a 23-15 win in the Investec Champions Cup.

Each side scored two tries, but three penalties and a Byrne conversion were decisive as Leicester’s bottom-of-the-table European campaign continued to slide and they were left pointless after the first two matches.

Jamieson Gibson-Park and Dan Sheehan got Leinster’s goals and Sam Prendergast’s conversion ensured the Tigers finished with nothing to show for their efforts.

Wings Adam Radwan and Ollie Hassell-Collins scored Leicester’s tries as Billy Searle added a penalty and conversion.

Leinster looked to have taken the lead when a pre-planned move saw Robbie Henshaw knock down a long line throw to Tommy O’Brien, who raced over, but TMO replays revealed that Henshaw had started his run from an offside position.

Leinster’s James Lowe is checked as he breaks through

The Irish continued to dominate the opening exchanges and deservedly took the lead with a free kick from Byrne – but this was soon canceled out by Searle to keep the scores level at the end of the first quarter.

Interestingly, the Tigers then scored the first try of the game when Leinster lost possession in the home 22 for Radwan to thrice the loose ball along the right touchline before going over.

Byrne converted his second penalty, but on the stroke of half-time the home side scored another try when Hassell-Collins caught Searle for a well-judged cross and pounced as the Irish defense faltered.

Lowe’s take on Leicester’s Adam Radwan

Searle missed the conversion but Leicester led 15-6 at the break.

Within four minutes of the restart, Searle had a chance to extend that lead but his penalty attempt from 40 meters went wide.

Five minutes later, Leinster were back in contention when the home side lost possession inside their own 22 and Gibson-Park took advantage by gaining possession before disposing of two weak tackles to score.

That try was the impetus for Leinster to put their opponents under goal as they continually conceded penalties, one of which Byrne kicked to give his side a one-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

It was Byrne’s final action of the night as he was replaced by Prendergast and in time to see the away side win with Sheehan’s converted try after a lineout.