Leinster show rules nous as they edge past Munster

Leinster 1-19 (23) Munster 1-15 (19)

Dubliner John Small struck a crucial four-point goal as Leinster saw off Munster by that same margin in the Allianz GAA Interprovincial Series Shield final.

Both teams were beaten in last night's semi-finals but bounced back with strong performances and while Munster were defeated again they had the Man of the Match in Kerry's Killian Spillane, who struck 0-09 overall.

The tournament is being used as a vehicle to road test the Football Review Committee's 'rules enhancements' and Spillane himself struck two long-range scores from beyond the new 40m arc that were worth two points each.

But he left Croke Park empty handed with Leinster too strong overall and positive performances from both Small brothers, John and Paddy, as well as Kildare's Kevin Feely, Ciaran Byrne of Louth and Ciaran Kilkenny.

Munster trailed by just a point after a strong third quarter but late Leinster points from Mark Barry, Ronan Wallace and Wicklow's Dean Healy set the seal on the win.

It was a near role reversal from a much improved Leinster having suffered a heavy loss in last night's semi-final when they were as good as beaten by half-time.

They trailed after the first quarter by 0-02 to 1-11 in that encounter whereas this time they were 1-07 to 0-00 up at the same stage and cruising.

The Dessie Dolan-managed group clearly learned vital lessons from their initial outing as they took greater advantage of the new rules this time.

Leinster 1-04 Munster 0-00: Leinster's John Small finds the back of the net after some neat build-up play for a four point score.