Leinster 42 Ulster 13

Leinster 52 Cardiff Blues 9

FOR Joe Schmidt, the unhappy memories of defeat to Treviso in September of last year were consigned to oblivion when Leinster hoisted aloft the Heineken Cup.

SOME not so clever defending made this victory more difficult than it should have been for Leinster but it also contributed to a hugely entertaining game of rugby.

THE loss of Ireland international Kevin McLaughlin and openside Dominic Ryan to ankle injuries leaves Joe Schmidt without 23 first choice players for Saturday’s trip to The Scarlets in the PRO12 League.

Luke Fitzgerald hasn’t recovered from the knee injury sustained last weekend against the Ospreys in time to make Leinster’s match day 23 for their home encounter with the Dragons tomorrow night (KO 7.35pm).

CORK CONSTITUTION regained top spot in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League with a deserved victory over pace-setters Old Belvedere at Temple Hill on Saturday.