**Derby weekends never fail to throw up drama in the Guinness PRO14.** When the Championship resumes later this month, fans will be able to soak up two rounds of fast, explosive and thrilling derby action before the semi-final places are decided. So what better way to whet your appetite for the blockbuster entertainment to come than to reflect on Round 8 of this season, which featured seven pulsating, closely-fought derbies. The biggest margin of victory saw defending champions Leinster defeat Ulster 54-42 as the remaining six games were won by a margin of only five points or less. And as we continue the countdown to the Guinness PRO14 restart, here are some of the key takeaways from one of the tightest rounds in Championship history. # **Leinster extend their lead** The RDS Arena was the scene for a battle between the top two sides in Conference A but despite Ulster’s best efforts, they proved no match for inter-provincial rivals Leinster. A free-flowing game saw 14 tries scored in total after the hosts stormed into a 33-14 lead at the break with Max Deegan, Scott Penny (2), Robbie Henshaw and Fergus McFadden all scoring.
