Leinster held to draw by Worcester

Worcester Warriors 11 Leinster 11

Worcester Warriors failed to gain revenge on Leinster this afternoon, as Declan Kidney's side held the Zurich Premiership side to a draw, with hooker Gavin Hickie scoring a comeback try.

The Warriors, defeated by Leinster 16-13 in Kidney's first game last week in Clontarf, began the stronger at Sixways Stadium, but failed to hammer home their advantage on the scoreboard.

Leading 3-0 at the break, thanks to a Tommy Hayes penalty, Worcester were brought back down to earth as former Ireland U21 out-half Dave McAllister kicked two penalties for a Leinster lead on 54 minutes.

The Warriors fought back with a try in the right corner four minutes later. But with Kidney springing Ireland international Victor Costello and new prop Ricky Nebbett, an England A international, on the hour, Leinster finished the better side.

Hickie, without a try in his previous 33 caps, touched down late on as he took a Ben Gissing tap down from a lineout and edged over after a quick one-two with scrum-half Brian O'Riordan.

McAllister missed the convert, and Hayes levelled it late with a second penalty. Leinster begin their Celtic League campaign next Sunday at Donnybrook (kick-off, 5.15pm) against the Cardiff Blues.