O'Gara passes test with flying colours

Ronan O'Gara received some air time on RTÉ's television sports news on Saturday evening and his appearance had RTÉ radio rugby commentator Michael Corcoran making the pilgrimage to Thomond Park.

The Cork Constitution outhalf's ankle came in for the closest of scrutiny as he played his first game since Munster's Celtic League final win over Neath.

O'Gara got through the match unscathed, grabbing a try, a penalty and four conversions in a 41-15 victory over UL Bohemians. "I am delighted with the way that things went and never had a problem with the ankle," he said.

He did confess to having a tight quadricep muscle but attributed that to all the kicking he did when training with Ireland last week. He is confident that he will be available for selection tomorrow when the Ireland team management sit down to announce their team to play France at Lansdowne Road next Saturday.

Constitution's other points in their success came from centre Derek Dillon, who contributed two tries, with Frankie Sheahan, Ronan O'Donovan and Jerry Murray chipping in with one apiece.

Lansdowne kept up their pursuit of Clontarf with a 26-13 win over Garryowen at Dooradoyle. Despite trailing 13-7, with left wing Karl Becker continuing his fine try-scoring form, Garryowen responded with tries from Pat Humphries and Dermot O'Sullivan.

Lansdowne hit with a brace from Brian O'Mahony and Fiachra Baynes.

They deserved their triumph as they possessed the greater wherewithal behind the scrum.

Ballymena's progress to the quarter-finals continued with a 42-31 win over Galwegians at Eaton Park. It's fair to say that both teams will require a little work on their defences.

An Andy Graham try and a couple from Matt Waterhouse gave the home side the perfect start.

Mark Blair added another, while Galwegians' only response in the first half hour was a try from Gavin Duffy.

Russell Nelson scored a fifth, and James Topping a sixth before Galwegians staged a spirited revival with Duffy's second try and others from centre Martin McPhail and scrumhalf Alex Paige.

Buccaneers maintained their top four position in the table by defeating Dungannon 14-8 at Ericsson Park. Lee Turner kicked three penalties with scrumhalf Chris Keane adding a try.

The Ulster side responded with a try from Alastair Clarke and Mark Bradley penalty to go home with a bonus point.

The three games in Dublin, UCD v St Mary's, Terenure v Belfast Harlequins and Blackrock v Shannon, were all postponed because of unplayable pitches.