Rugby: Wins for Leinster and Ulster

It was another successful night for the Irish provinces in the Heineken Cup last night with both Leinster and Ulster defeating English opponents.

Leinster have now won nine consecutive games this season after they comfortably defeated Newcastle Falcons by 28 points to 9 at Donnybrook. Matt Williams' side has now gone 14 games unbeaten at the Dublin venue and there appears to be a rising sense of confidence within the team.

There were tries from Gordon D'Arcy, Eric Miller and Brian O'Driscoll as well as a penalty try as the Irish side steam-rolled over the much-fancied

English team.

Newcastle is one of the giants of English game and players such as Jonny Wilkinson, Pat Lam, Doddie Weir and Scott Grimes on their team.

However, Leinster remained unfazed by the stars that they faced and a man-of-the-match display from centre, Brian O'Driscoll, inspired them to yet another win.

Meanwhile, Ulster came from behind to beat Wasps by 42 points to 19 at Ravenhill last night.

Ulster were inspired by out-half, David Humpheries, who scored a European Cup record 37 points as he tries to persuade the Irish management team to pick him ahead of Ronan O'Gara.

Ulster were behind at halftime but Humpheries took control in the second period to give them a perfect record of two wins out of two in the Heineken Cup so far this season.