**Leinster and Munster underlined their credentials as potential Guinness PRO14 Conference winners with notable victories in round 11.** Leinster recovered impressively from losing to Connacht by keeping the heat on Conference A leaders Ulster by beating them 24-12. While Ulster still top the table, five points clear of Leinster, the Dublin-based side crucially have two games in hand and they returned to winning ways after tries from Dave Kearney, Sean Cronin, Robbie Henshaw and James Tracey underpinned victory. Munster moved 11 points clear as Conference B leaders with a solid showing against Connacht at the Sportsground in Galway, winning 16-10 and maintaining a rich run of form. Elsewhere, it was Welsh derby time in Wales and the Ospreys maintained consistency under new head coach Toby Booth by defeating the Dragons 28-20 at Rodney Parade. Wales wing George North, who is closing in on 100 caps for his country, led the way, scoring a try, as did Mat Protheroe and Scott Otten. Jared Rosser and Jamie Roberts replied for the Dragons. And the Scarlets could not overcome Liam Williams' red card against the Blues at Cardiff City Stadium, going down 29-20 despite tries from Jonathan Davies and Sione Kalamafoni. Half-backs Jarrod Evans and Tomos Williams ran the show for the Blues, with Williams scoring a decisive try following earlier scores by centres Willis Halaholo and Rey Lee-Lo. In the Italian derby, Zebre completed a season's double over Benetton for the first time since 2015-16, with Carlo Canna in particularly impressive form.
