Pontypridd lead Welsh charge

Pontypridd have led the Welsh charge into the knockout phase of the Celtic League as they demolished unbeaten Connacht. Their sensational 40-0 victory in Galway put them on top of Pool B and one win away from a home draw in the last eight.

Skipper Mefin Davis said: 'I hope this proves that Welsh clubs can compete with the Irish provinces. It's just a question of belief.' While Pontypridd were running in five tries, Cardiff picked up a bonus point in their 37-12 home win over Bridgend to ensure they will make it through to the quarter-finals for the first time.

Two tries in the dying minutes from replacement centre Matt Allen brought them a bonus-point victory that, coupled with Connacht's defeat, condemned reigning champions Leinster to oblivion.

In Pool A, Neath coach Lyn Jones' pre-match quips about boring Munster came back to haunt him as the Irish side ran in four tries to become the first team to win at the

Gnoll this season and guarantee their safe passage into the quarter-finals. Neath need a win away to in-form Edinburgh to secure a crucial home tie. Ulster ran in eight tries in their demolition of Caerphilly to move into contention for a home quarter-final. They host Llanelli in the last round of pool games - a game which the Scarlets must win if they are to make the next stage of the competition.

Llanelli's 69-6 victory over Swansea on Friday brought them back into contention and left the Whites reeling.

At the end of a week in which they lost the services of Wales full back Kevin Morgan for up to 12 weeks, Swansea had two players sent off. Gavin Henson and Dean Thomas now look set to miss their team's opening Heineken Cup trip to Montferrand - a club who have not lost a European tie at home in 19 matches.