Leinster won the Heineken Cup for the first time after holding off English champions Leicester Tigers at Murrayfield on Saturday. The 19-16 win and caps off another success for Irish rugby this season.
Leinster started the match in style after a powerful surge from man of the match wallaby, Rocky Elsom. Brian ODriscoll then slotted a neat drop goal, before impressive youngster Jonathan Sexton himself slotted an excellent long range effort.
Leicester took the lead with a try from Ben Woods, who along with Julien Dupey, kept the Tigers in the lead. A try by Jamie Heaslip got Leinster back in the match, which was duly converted by Sexton.
Sexton again slotted a kick, this time under huge pressure as he gave his side the 19-16 lead heading into the final ten minutes, a lead which they held onto to win the match and the title of champions of Europe.
Winning captain Leo Cullen said: “We’ve had some tough times over the last few years. There have been some disappointing days, but the hurt in the past makes the wins sweeter.”
Brian O’Driscoll, who had another good match, was over the moon.
“It feels great. I’ve played for this team for 10 years, some of the guys for 11 or 12 years. I love Leinster. It was a goal to win this competition before the season started. I couldn’t have asked to win this with a better bunch of guys.”
Time:
09:34
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