Leinster maintained their Celtic League challenge with a hard-fought 26-19 away victory over an under-strength Ospreys side on Friday evening.

The Ospreys, who were missing 17 squad players - many on Wales duty for the clash with South Africa - can take some consolation from grabbing a bonus point in their defeat.

Leinster scored first-half tries through Shane Horgan (pictured) and man of the match Rob Kearney with Felipe Contepomi supplying 16 points with the boot.

The Ospreys took the lead early in the second half thanks to a Gareth Owen try but Contepomi saw off the home challenge, kicking three out of four penalties in the final 25 minutes.

Brian O'Driscoll's side lead 17-12 at the break after Shaun Connor had kept the Ospreys in touch with three penalties and a drop goal.

It was Leinster's fourth win from seven games and keeps them third in the Celtic League table.

Connacht 13-30 Ulster

Ulster scored three tries in the last half hour through Kieron Dawson, Carlo Del Fava and Roger Wilson to win the Celtic League basement battle in Galway.

Ulster lifted themselves off the bottom of the table and above Connacht as they struck an important blow in their bid to qualify for next season's Heineken Cup.

A 50th-minute try from Danny Riordan edged Connacht into a 10-6 lead but Ulster responded with fly-half Paddy Wallace landing six out of seven kicks as part of a man-of-the-match performance.

Glasgow Warriors 17-Cardiff Blues 5

Scotland fly-half Dan Parks scored all 17 points as Glasgow defeated Celtic League leaders Cardiff Blues.

Parks grabbed a try and four penalties while veteran wing Rhys Williams crossed for the visitors.

It was Glasgow's fourth win from seven games and keeps the Scottish side within site of the three teams ahead of them in the standings.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport