Gopperth rues missed chance as Treviso hold Leinster

Treviso 24 Leinster 24

Gopperth rues missed chance as Treviso hold Leinster

Treviso 24 Leinster 24

Jimmy Gopperth missed a last-minute drop goal as Leinster were held to a 24-24 draw in their Guinness PRO12 match against Treviso today.

The Italian side, who are still looking for their first win in the competition, held a slender 19-17 lead until the 67th minute when a try by Darragh Fanning and a Gopperth conversion edged Leinster ahead.

However, Davide Giazzon levelled for Treviso when he touched down in the 72nd before full-back Jayden Hayward missed the conversion.

It left the scores level, with Gopperth unable to kick the winning points at the death.

Leinster claimed first blood in the contest when wing Fanning crossed for his first try of the afternoon in the third minute.

Gopperth missed the conversion and 10 minutes later Treviso were ahead after Hayward added the extras to Andrea Pratichetti's try.

Dean Budd crossed for the Italians' second in the 25th minute, and even though Hayward missed the conversion, Treviso took a 12-5 lead.

Dave Kearney cut the gap soon after, though, with the visitors' second try on a day where the fly-halves were struggling to find their range, with Gopperth again missing the extra two points.

Treviso left the field at half-time 12-10 ahead but their advantage did not last long in the second half as Bryan Byrne crossed in the first minute after the break, with Gopperth this time on target.

Hayward missed a penalty at the other end but a try from flanker Marco Barbini got the home side back on level terms before the full-back edged them ahead with a successful conversion.

With the game evenly poised going into the final quarter, it was Fanning who swung the advantage back to Leinster with his second try of the game, which Gopperth converted.

Treviso were not done, with Giazzon's try drawing them level, but Hayward's inconsistent kicking came into play again when he missed the match-winning conversion in the 76th minute.

Gopperth tried in vain to land a decisive drop goal at the other end but with both men struggling, the score remained tied at the full-time whistle.

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Leinster Rugby Squad Gym Session Offaly native Milne keen on Croker involvement
Jack O’Donoghue 23/4/2024 'Fresh' O'Donoghue ready to attack remaining URC games
Sam Monaghan 24/4/2024 Fast start key to Ireland hopes, insists Monaghan
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited