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Rugby Union

Leinster miss title opportunity as Scottish sides dominate

18/04/2008

Leinster failed to secure the point they needed to win the Magners League as they lost 15-13 to Edinburgh at Murrayfield.

The visitors went into the game clearly determined to seal the title, attacking from the start and only being thwarted by some solid defending from the Scottish side.

Edinburgh went in at half-time 10-6 up after Ross Ford's try was converted by Phil Godman.

Though Luke Fitzgerald crossed over for the visitors early in the second period Felipe Contepomi then hit the post with his conversion kick, condemning Leinster to a two-point defeat.

Scottish rivals Glasgow also won, though in a far more dramatic match, beating Llanelli Scarlets 25-23 at home.

The hosts went in at the interval with a comfortable 13-6 advantage thanks to a Dan Parks try and conversions, though the Scarlets' Morgan Stoddart ensured that the game went to the wire.

Newport-Gwent Dragons surrendered an 11-6 lead away at Connacht to lose 11-13 in a tense game at Rodney Parade.

There was little to choose between the two sides, as Michael Owen touched down for the visitors to add to two penalties by Ceri Sweeney. In response, Johnny O'Connor crossed the line for Connacht, while Troy Nathan kicked two successful penalties.

However, Andy Dunne also managed a conversion, which ultimately proved the difference between the two sides and give the visitors a much-needed Magners League win.