Magners League Round Up

The Magners League takes a break to make way for the Heinken Cup with Ulster leading the way five points clear of Llanelli Scarlets and Munster second from bottom.

Ulster’s five-try victory on Saturday over Cardiff Blues saw them go into the European break with a five-point lead over Llanelli Scarlets at the top of the Magners League table.

Meanwhile Scottish teams provided two major upsets on Friday night over much-fancied Irish sides.

Edinburgh Gunners came away from Thomond Park with four points against European champions Munster, thanks to three tries from Alasdair Dickinson, Chris Paterson and Simon Webster. Munster fans also had the dispiriting sight of Ronan O’Gara’s early departure due to injury.

At Netherdale the Border Reivers earned their first victory of the season over a Leinster side at full strength. Steve Jones was the hero with a late drop-goal, but it was a real team effort, especially in defence.

Glasgow Warriors did not fare so well eventually losing out to the Ospreys, who also secured a try bonus point, after taking an early lead. And in Galway a resurgent Connacht inflicted a first away defeat on the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Edinburgh and the Ospreys both leapfrog Leinster in the Magners League table, although Reivers remain at the foot.

MAGNERS LEAGUE TABLE