ULSTER BANK LEAGUE:Lansdowne are back at the top of the Ulster Bank League Division 1A table following a five try 37-7 demolition of Dolphin on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The fact they picked up a bonus point means they move ahead of Garryowen on points difference. The two sides are level on 30 points, five in front of nearest challengers Young Munster. Garryowen and Lansdowne will meet at Dooradoyle when the competition resumes on January 26th.

Lansdowne’s ability to pick up bonus points has served them well. Two of their Leinster representatives played prominent roles against Dolphin, scrumhalf John Cooney getting two tries, while flanker Jordi Murphy got another.

The others came from Mark Roche and Willie Earle, while Craig Ronaldson’s boot was responsible for the remainder of their points. Dolphin had an early try from Rory Scannell, converted by Barry Keeshan.

Lansdowne coach Mike Ruddock anticipates a tough match against Garryowen. “Any side that can go to Cork Constitution and win must be must be very good,” he said.

Garryowen got the better of Cork Con 20-14 at Temple Hill for their seventh victory in eight outings.

Rory Brosnan and Ronan O’Mahony crossed for Garryowen, with Geoff Ryan landing two conversions and two penalties. Cork Con replied with a try from Andrew O’Driscoll and three penalties by Johnny Holland.

Defending champions St Mary’s College took a major step towards moving away from the relegation zone with a 16-3 victory over Clontarf at Templeville Road.

While they are too far behind the leaders to have any chance of retaining their title, St Mary’s can still play an important part in the remainder of the campaign.

The only try of a hard-fought game was scored by St Mary’s wing Darragh Fanning just before half-time.