Carlow came away from Dr Hickie Park with their lead intact but grateful that Greystones' second-half fight-back fell just short. The 2015 win keeps Carlow ahead of Old Belvedere in the league, though they had a more convincing 30-9 win over Malone.

Ian Dwyer and Andy Melville ran in tries for Carlow with full back Matt Waterhouse converting both and kicking two penalties for a 20-0 lead at the break. Despite two tries in reply in the second half, Carlow held on and lead the table by a point.

Old Belvedere's crushing of Malone also afforded them a bonus point for four tries, as Colum Gleeson, Anthony Rowan, Simon Keogh got over and they were also awarded a penalty try.

Bective Rangers and UCD both won to remain in third and fourth place respectively. The students' away win over Sunday's Well in Musgrave Park was encouraging. Simon Moore and the home side's Richie Daly kicked five penalties each, with Paddy HickeyDwyer and Neil Coughlan grabbing tries for UCD in the 15-25 win.

Bective's margin over Ballynahinch was greater, and with four tries added the bonus point too. Their win allowed Fergal Campion to display his full range of talents with a try, two penalties and three conversions in a 7-32 win.

At the bottom, City of Derry and Old Wesley are still in deep trouble with just six and 10 points respectively. Wesley went under 10-28 to Wanderers, where Owen Cobbe landed three penalties and two conversions for the winners.