London Irish scrpaed past an under-strength Leinster side 24-19 in their tour clash in County Wicklow on Wednesday night.

Leinster fielded what was in effect a second string side with so many players on international duty but were still able to provide a tough challenge for the Exiles.

The home side led 9-5 at half-time and 12-5 into the second half before the visitors took a grip on the game.

Flyhalf Christian Warner kicked Leinster into a 9-0 lead within 20 minutes. But with the home side reduced to 14 men when flanker Shane Jennings was sinbinned, London Irish reduced the arrears just before half-time when Barry Everitt put in skipper Ryan Strudwick for a try.

Another penalty, this time from Andy Dunne, extended their advantage but after Leinster were again reduced to 14, this time Aidan McCullen yellow carded for a high tackle, London Irish took control.

Replacement Mike Worsley, went over for an unconverted try and they moved into 17-12 lead when centre Geoff Appleford's try was converted by Everitt.

Substitute James Cockle added another London Irish try eight minutes from time, and Mark Mapletoft, another substitute, kicked the conversion to leave London Irish 24-12 clear.

With two minutes remaining John McWeeney scored a try, Dunne's excellent conversion from the touchline brought them closer but they were beaten by the clock.

Leinster. P McKenna (M Leek 61); S Keogh, A Magro (K Lewis 21), D Quinlan (A Dunne 40), J McWeeney (F Baynes 78); C Warner, B Willis (S Whelan 70); J Lyne, P Smyth (Capt) (G Hickie 60), P Coyle (N Treston 32), B Gissing (G Quinn 70), A Kearney, A McCullen, D Dillon, S Jennings (L Toland).

London Irish. M Horak; P Sackey, G Appleford, R Hoadley (M Mapletoft 60), P Rossouw; B Everitt, D Edwards (H Martens 32); N Hatley (M Worsley 32),N Drotske (r Kirke 40), S Halford (R Hardwick 32), R Strudwick (Capt), J Fahrensohn, P Gustard (J Cockle 40), C Sheasby, D Danaher.