With the AIB League a dim and distant dot on the rugby horizon, clubs in Leinster must make do with the Kitty O'Shea League, a competition where those who don't play generate the bigger headlines.

On the back pitch at Lansdowne Road yesterday UCD, minus six first-choice players, easily dismantled, an inept Lansdowne challenge 25-6.

The home side fielded probably just two players, hooker Cormac Egan and excellent open-side flanker Liam Toland, who will be considered first choice when the serious business of All Ireland League fare starts in December.

The rest of their team yesterday was a composite of seconds and thirds who can hardly have relished the incessant driving rain which handicapped hopes of making the correct impression. UCD in contrast were far more accomplished in every facet of play, and also displayed greater assurance and invention behind the scrum.

Playing with the benefit of the strong wind in the first half they turned 8-3 ahead at the interval through a try and penalty from fullback Jake Smith to a Niall Gunne penalty. The two placekickers exchanged penalties before UCD took a firm grip on the game with tries from right wing Darragh Kearney and second row Colm Keane.

Elsewhere the results went along predictable lines with only Carlow threatening an upset when they pushed Blackrock College before succumbing at Oak Park.

In Ulster the formbook prevailed with victories for Dungannon, Ballymena and Malone amongst others.