Defeat for the Irish Province sees them replaced in second place by the Dragons who were winners over The Borders at Netherdale also on Friday night, whilst Munster move into fourth following their thumping win over Cardiff Blues on Saturday.
Elsewhere Glasgow Rugby’s bonus point victory over Ulster, with 24 points from stand off Dan Parks, saw them rise three places propelling them to mid table, and Edinburgh Rugby’s rare away win means the Ulstermen sink to penultimate place in the league.
The Borders, with their unwelcome record of played six, lost six, still prop up the foot of the table, but again there was much to hearten with their display, and they would have at least grabbed a losing bonus point had they not conceded a converted try deep into injury time.
There is now a three week break whilst the Celtic teams make their assault on Europe. Hostilities will be reconvened on 5 November with three rip roaring local derbies.
