Missed opportunity for both

With many of the top sides inactive this weekend, it was a perfect opportunity for Galwegians and Garryowen to edge ever closer to the play-off scramble, but neither side could avail of the opportunity.

The Connacht side welcomed provincial neighbours Buccaneers on a day when Steph Nel's men were playing for their Parker Pen Challenge Cup lives against Pontypridd at Sardis Road.

It was Buccaneers who prevailed in a contest in which both teams were shorn of many of their established players.

That defeat, not alone in losing the bragging rights, will be hugely disappointing to Galwegians coach Kevin Dinneen.

Dungannon's penchant for scene stealing was once again in evidence at Stevenson Park on Saturday. Having pipped St Mary's College with a late penalty to win several weeks ago, the Ulster club repeated the dose to Garryowen. Full back Mark Bradley was the local hero with his injury-time effort.

The victory will have been especially enjoyable for Andy Earl, who left Garryowen to join Dungannon at the start of the season.

The Limerick club dominated the first half and should have managed a greater advantage than their 13-0 interval lead. The points came from a Pat Humphreys try, converted by Alan O'Sullivan, who also added two penalties.

Buoyed by the wind, Dungannon hit after the interval with a try from flanker Andrew Hughes and, when Jan Cunningham grabbed a second - converted by Bradley - it set the stage for the full back's piece de resistance to steal the points with a 15-13 win.

Belfast Harlequins saw off Carlow's challenge with a 26-16 win and in the process picked up an important bonus point.

The visitors struck first with a try from number eight Andy Melville, converted by Dan van Zyl. A turning point for the home side was when Carlow prop Justin Hannon was sent to the sin bin.

Andy Emerson crossed for a try with Ajay Derwin adding the extra points. Roger Wilson scored a fine individual try to nullify a van Zyl penalty and leave the home side 12-10 in front at the interval.

A penalty try and another by Ross Collins, both converted by Derwin, were enough to confirm victory as Carlow could only muster a couple of van Zyl penalties in response.

In the other matches, Lansdowne hammered UL Bohemian 43-22, while St Mary's College beat bottom of the table Terenure 38-23 to win the battle of the Dublin 6 rivals.