Colin Gregor: sparked Glasgow's fightback

Glasgow moved up one place to third in the hotly-contested race for the Magners League play-off places as a result of their bonus point defeat to Leinster at the RDS in Dublin tonight.

But before a crowd of more than 11,000 Glasgow had their chances inside the final quarter to have posted a memorable win and had they found that elusive composure the league table might have made even sweeter reading. 

As it was Munster's win against Scarlets tonight means three teams are now tied on 34 points with Edinburgh and Glasgow splitting the two Irish provinces in the four play-off places, with leaders Leinster also having a game in hand. 

Watched by their international contingent and members of the Scotland management team, Glasgow's first try against the reigning Heineken Cup holders was a fine individual effort in the 16th minute from right wing Hefin O'Hare side-stepping four would-be defenders from the half-way line as the Scots responded superbly to being turned over three metres from the Leinster try line.  Ruaridh Jackson converted to atone for a sixth minute penalty miss in the blustery wind.

Home centre Fergus McFadden monopolised Leinster's early scoring, goaling two penalties and converting his own 22nd minute try when he bolted on to a crossfield break from Isa Nacewa.

Man of the match Nacewa's boot, allied to the strength of the wind, set up a lineout close to the Glasgow line as the clock ticked down to half-time.  Sadly for Glasgow the ball was stolen at the front and as Leinster worked through the phases, left to right, full-back Girvan Dempsey escaped for their second try.  McFadden converted to send the hosts to their changing room in good heart.

Half time: Leinster 20 Glasgow Warriors 7

A welter of substitutes saw Glasgow introduce Moray Low, Fergus Thomson, Ayr's Paul Burke and Colin Gregor for Ed Kalman, Dougie Hall, James Eddie and Jackson as they sought to mould attacks off some sustained possession.

And it was Gregor who gave Warriors a sniff with a 68th minute try.  His footballing skills had established a foundation in the home 22 and his arcing run from right to left found space and enabled the diminutive stand-off to blaze outside prop Stan Wright to dot down.  Gregor's conversion brought Glasgow to within one score.
 
Glasgow battled manfully to maintain a foothold in the Leinster 22 but they could not unlock the home defence in a frantic finale. 

Glasgow Warriors: Bernardo Stortoni; Hefin O'Hare, Peter Murchie, Peter Horne, DTH Van der Merwe; Ruaridh Jackson, Mark McMillan captain; Jon Welsh, Dougie Hall, Ed Kalman, Tim Barker, Dan Turner, James Eddie, Richie Vernon, Calum Forrester.

Subs: Fergus Thomson for Hall, Moray Low for Kalman, Paul Burke (Ayr) for Eddie and Colin Gregor for Jackson all 48 minutes; Dave McCall for Horne (69 minutes), Chris Kinloch on for Van der Merwe (72 minutes).  Unused: Robert Harley.

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU).