The boot of Dan Parks kicked Glasgow to a 15-12 win over Leinster at Firhill on Friday night.

In their first win from four games, Glasgow illustrated grit and determination to overcome the current Magners League champions.

Glasgow head coach, Sean Lineen, was pleased with the performance of his players and happy to call an end to their three-match loosing streak. “We dug deep and it’s great to get a win and see the smiles on the faces in the changing rooms.”

Blustery conditions led to some wayward aerial rugby but the first points were on the board within the opening five minutes in the form of two successful penalties from Parks and Leinster fly-half Felipe Contepomi respectively.

The Firhill crowd were lifted by some sublime interlinking rugby between Max Evans and Lome Fa’atau, resulting in Evans diving over in the corner, only for the try to be chopped off for an alleged forward pass.

The majority of possession was in the hands of the home side for most of the first half, with Glasgow’s powerful pack containing the strength of the Leinster forwards. Glasgow’s back row of Beattie, Barclay and Brown helped keep Glasgow in front with tireless work at the breakdown.

Max Evans seemed eager to prove himself, demonstrating dynamism going forward, often piercing through the Leinster defence. The poor weather conditions made for inconsistent rugby from both sides, however Glasgow proved to be the more dangerous side.

A further three penalties, conceded due to a lack of discipline in the Leinster defence, were successfully slotted over by Parks, leaving the home side with their noses in front going into the break.

Glasgow, hit by the injury of their captain Al Kellock late in the first half, found themselves under pressure early in the second half. Leinster’s rise in momentum resulted in a successful penalty attempt from Contepomi decreasing the deficit to 12-6.

Increased pressure saw the home side under the cosh once again, conceding a further penalty, which Contepomi duly converted, leaving only three points between the two sides.

Glasgow were dealt a further blow when centre Graeme Morrison left the field having suffered a knock to the knee, which is likely to worry national selectors ahead of the upcoming autumn tests.

Poor discipline in the final quarter led to a further penalty for either side, both of which were converted.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, and only three points separating the sides, Glasgow illustrated dogged defending during a series of late Leinster attacks to grind out the win.

In the final Magners League match before the looming international matches, John Barclay put in a performance, which will surely improve his chances for national selection, Lineen commenting that he was “on another level”. Max Evans, also looking to stake a claim on an international jersey played a significant role in Glasgow’s victory.