BRITISH IRISH CUP: Leinster A 24 London Welsh 24: COLIN McENTEE'S Leinster A couldn't add the scalp of London Welsh to those of Esher, Melrose and Llanelli, but a draw at Donnybrook yesterday was sufficient to ensure a home quarter-final.

Outhalf Noel Reid connected from 40 metres in the 15th minute, hooker Aaron Dundon plunged over from one metre, Brendan Macken countered to send Dave Kearney home from distance and Reid kicked his second penalty as Leinster eased away to an 18-0 advantage. But, worryingly, centre James Lewis sprinted into the corner for outhalf Alex Davies to convert on London Welsh’s first visit into Leinster’s 22 to leave it 18-7 at the interval.

Reid then kicked his third penalty before multiple offloads put London Welsh flanker Ed Siggery under the posts and Davies converted to trim the deficit and Will Hurrell flew through for a gap in midfield for Davies to tie it up in the 69th minute. It was left to replacement Cathal Marsh to smash a penalty from the right to restore the lead but Davies wasn’t finished yet, splitting the posts for a well-earned draw.

LEINSTER A:D Kearney; A Conway, B Macken, C O'Shea, F Carr; N Reid, J Cooney; J McGrath (capt), A Dundon, J Hagan, N Keogh, M Flanagan, B Marshall, J Murphy, L Auva'a. Replacements: C Gilsenan for Marshall (half-time), D Hudson for Carr, C Marsh for Reid, T Sexton for Dundon (all 68 mins), MJ O'Connell for Hagan (74 mins).

Referee: R Thomas (WRU).