St Mary’s stars help Leinster to historic double

By Maurice Garvey

 

LEINSTER completed a historic domestic and European double this afternoon – dismantling defending champions Scarlets 40-32 in the Pro 14 decider with St Mary’s College men Jonathan Sexton and Jordan Larmour making at big impact at the Aviva Stadium.

It has been a magnificent season for Leo Cullen’s side, who have played some scintillating rugby.

They turned in a vintage performance against the West Walians to win their fifth league title – a Pro 14 record – with a five try special.
There was some concern that the team might have been tiring after their heroics in Bilbao and last week in the semi final versus Munster, but it was a sharp display, on par with the European semi final win against the same opposition.
The opening quarter was evenly poised at 6-6 before man of the match Johnny Sexton made it 9-6 with a penalty.
Leinster lost their legendary captain Isa Nacewa to injury, a cruel blow in his last game for the province.
However, shortly afterwards big Devon Toner got over for Leinster’s first try, following sustained periods of pressure 14-9.

Leinster struck a killer blow before half-time when a deft Sexton pass put kiwi James Lowe over in the corner. 

The St Mary’s outhalf nailed the touchline conversion to make it 21-11 at the break.
The European champions increased their intensity in the third quarter, with tries from Sean Cronin, Jack Conan, either side of a wonderful pick up on the go try from Jordan Larmour.
A late brace of tries by Scarlets wing Johnny McNicholl and Werner Kruger kept the scoreboard ticking over, in what was also a record score for a Pro 14 final.