Leinster 16 Scarlets 13:Fergus McFadden's final kick of the match gave Leinster a narrow win in the RDS over Llanelli Scarlets.

The Irish centre scored all of Leinster’s points as the province maintained their commanding lead at the top of the PRO12 table.

Scarlets opened the scoring when veteran Stephen Jones landed his first penalty. But Leinster reacted immediately and a charge up field by Fionn Carr gave the home side field possession to squeeze the Welsh visitors.

Scarlets conceded the penalty and within two minutes centre Fergus McFadden had kicked Leinster level 3-3.

But Leinster were not having it all their own way and a half break in the middle of the park allowed fullback Dan Newton take the off load and run in for a Scarlets try and a 10-3 lead.

McFadden missed his chance to narrow the gap with a second penalty but shortly after half time Leinster hit back.

Again the Irish centre McFadden was involved, this time muscling his way up the middle of the park and in under the posts for a well made try.

His conversion levelled the match 10-10. But Newton replied with another kick to edge Scarlets ahead before McFadden again kicked Leinster level.

With just 20 minutes remaining the sides were locked at 13-13 and with Leinster doing much of the pressing.

Finally McFadden was offered a kick on 80 minutes when the Welsh came into a ruck off their feet. The centre held his nerve and landed the penalty, referee Nigel Owen blowing for full time as the ball sailed over for a narrow win.