CELTIC LEAGUE DOWN TO THE WIRE

Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions Published 1:22 pm 15th May 2006 News

Both teams scored a try bonus point, but an injury time try from Blues Craig Morgan denied Leinster a crucial losing bonus point and leaves the way open for Ulster to wrap up the title next weekend.

At the start of the round on Friday night, Ulster had put nine tries past Border Reivers in a crushing 63-17 victory, a new Celtic League record for most points scored in a game with the bonus point try coming in the fastest time ever, just under 18 minutes. The result at Ravenhill saw the home side extend their winning streak to eight matches and go top of the League, with a game in hand over second placed Leinster.

Also on Friday night, Glasgow Warriors stunned the Llanelli Scarlets 17-10 to keep alive their hopes of automatic Heineken Cup qualification as the second Scottish team. The home side were rugged and competitive throughout, with fly-half and man of the match Dan Parks skilfully orchestrating the play and guiding his team to victory.

Friday night’s third game saw the Ospreys defeat Connacht 16-44 in Galway. The Welsh region were able to reverse their poor away form scoring seven tries as Connacht were left rooted to the bottom of the table. Results elsewhere meant that Ospreys leapfrogged above Scarlets to become the second highest placed Welsh team.

On Saturday Chris Paterson amassed a season’s record 27 points, including two tries, for Edinburgh Gunners as they scored a 37-11 win over The Dragons at Rodney Parade – with defeat for the home side meaning they will now face the third placed Italian team in June in a play-off for the final Heineken Cup place next season.