Champions’ second team just too good

They were in the match at 10-6 at the quarter-mark of the game, with a pair of Joe Ford penalties book-ending tries by Jordan Coughlan and Brendan Macken.

But Leinster’s A side put their foot on the gas thereafter, establishing a 23-6 lead through a try from Jack Conan and eight points by Noel Reid.

Sam Coghlan-Murray and Darren Hudson scored tries in quick succession at the start of the second half to put the tie beyond reach.

Leo Au’va stretched the lead further before the sin-binning of their own Chris Walker galvanised Leeds who scored a slick try through Richard Beck.

After Fionn Carr notched Leinster’s seventh try, a Fred Burdon chip over the defence eventually found its way to Joe Graham, who with a conversion from Ford, made it 47-18.

Leeds head coach Diccon Edwards said: “We made some changes this week to give players game time and have a look at some people so we are in a stronger position when we return to Championship action. Next week against Jersey at York we have a great opportunity to build some momentum.”