It was another good week for the Welsh regions, as play-off chasing Cardiff and Ospreys both recorded important wins, while Dragons drew with Benetton.

The only blot on the copybook was Scarlets’ late defeat at Edinburgh, while over in the Celtic Challenge, Brython Thunder won their fourth match in a row, but Gwalia Lightning were beaten.

Let’s get into the action!

Late show sees Ospreys beat play-off rivals

Ospreys scored two late tries through James Ratti and Daniel Kasende to beat United Rugby Championship play-off rivals Ulster.

Ratti – cruelly overlooked for Steve Tandy’s Wales squad – powered over from close range, before Kasende pounced on a loose ball to make sure of the 21-10 win.

The victory sees Mark Jones’ side move within a point of the play-off spots, having won two and drawn the other of their last three games.

“I really believe in the group, but I also know that you’ve got to you’ve got to stack some good training sessions some good moments and good performances because the whole thing,” the Ospreys head coach said.

“One win, one loss, one bonus point win – can shift you up and down the table three or four places… we could creep in (to the top eight).”

Cardiff end Leinster winning streak

Cardiff took another massive step towards a play-off spot as they ended Leinster’s 11-game winning run at Cardiff Arms Park.

On a wet Friday night, Aled Davies’ try proved to be the difference as they defended their 8-0 lead in the dying moments, despite a late Leinster surge.

Cardiff are level on points with second-placed Leinster and crucially have a 15-point lead over those aiming to break into the top eight.

“We adapted well to the conditions because it was easier to play without the ball, so the kicking came into play,” Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl said.

“Leinster are a quality outfit with what they have done over the years and it was good chance for us to measure ourselves. I was pleased with the game plan and how things unfolded.”

Dragons rue missed opportunity in Benetton draw

Dragons skipper Angus O’Brien missed a late conversion as his side had to settle for a draw at Rodney Parade against Benetton.

Centre Fine Inisi scored an 80th minute try to draw things level with O’Brien’s touchline conversion going wide.

Dragons lock Levi Douglas had scored an early try but was shown a 20-minute red card for a dangerous ruck clear out in the 32nd minute. The hosts also spent 10 minutes with 13 men with Inisi also shown a first-half yellow card.

Filo Tiatia’s men failed were hunting a fifth straight victory at Rodney Parade for the first time since between December 2019 and February 2020

Dragons were also looking for redemption after enduring a 74-21 Challenge Cup hammering when the teams met at Stadio Monigo in January.

“I’m very proud of the second half performance. I was proud of the first half too, but I thought we left a few points on the pitch,” Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia.

“The character, grit, scrap and wanting to fight and stay in it, was excellent. We have been working on it, the mentality of wanting to protect something. You can see signs that they are a tight group.”

Scarlets beaten by Edinburgh comeback

Scarlets flew out of the blocks at the Hive on Friday night, taking a 0-14 lead thanks to tries from Sam Lousi and Joe Roberts, but a double from Ben Vellacott and a third through Magnus Bradbury saw the home side comeback strong.

The West Walian side looked to have sealed a tight victory as Roberts went over for a second, but Harry Paterson broke Welsh hearts as he charged down Wales U20 star Carwyn Leggatt-Jones’ kick to knick the win.

The bonus-point victory moves Edinburgh up to 12th in the URC table, with Scarlets remaining in 15th.

Brython’s run continues as Gwalia suffer

Having lost their first five games of the season, Brython extended their winning run to four matches, with a 10-32 victory over Glasgow Warriors.

Lisa Neumann got the first for the Thunder, with winger Seren Singleton scoring the second. Millie Warren did score a penalty to put the Warriors on the scoreboard before half-time, but moments into the second-half Hanna Marshall had added a third try for Brython.

They scored the bonus through Mabli Evans, with Seren Lockwood scoring the fifth with the game well and truly out of sight.

The hosts did get one back through Hannah Smyth but there was still time for Brython to get a sixth, with Ellie Tromans going over in the corner.

Meanwhile in Wales, Gwalia Lightning suffered at the hands of a hurting Woflhounds side – beaten by Brython for the first time last week.

Tries from Erin King, Katie Corrigan, Linda Djougang and Eve Higgins secured the bonus-point inside half an hour, with Corrigan adding another to make it 35-0 at the break.

India Daley, Amy Larn and Stacey Flood added to the onslaught, while Lightning’s sole score came courtesy of Bethan Lewis.

With one week to go in the competition before the semi-finals stage, Gwalia have qualified for the next round, while a Welsh derby win for Brython would also confirm their spot against Irish opposition.

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