The Ospreys played themselves back into contention at the top of the Magners League with a comprehensive win over Connacht at the Liberty Stadium.

Connacht had shaded the first half and led 10-8 at the break with Paul Warwick kicking a penalty and cobverting a David Slemen try, while Lee Byrne crossed for the home side and Shaun Connor kicked a penalty.

However the visitors were able to add to their score in the second period as the boot of Byrne put the Ospreys in control. The full back kicked two penalties and two conversions, while Paul James scored a try and Shane Williams dropped a goal. The misery for the Irish Province was complete when their scrum was forced to concede a penalty try late on as they came under intense pressure from the Ospreys eight.