Dougie Fife of Edinburgh Rugby scores a try and celebrates in the second half during the European Rugby Challenge Cup Semi Final match, between Edinburgh Rugby and Newport Gwent Dragons© Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Leaders Ulster ensured their place in the Guinness PRO12 top four with a rare but highly-prized 26-10 victory over Leinster at a damp Kingspan Stadium which keeps the home side on target for a home semi-final.

Tries in each half from man of the match Iain Henderson and the PRO12's leading try scorer Craig Gilroy helped secure the result - which took Ulster top of the table overnight - which all but ends Leinster's hopes of making the top four.

Four penalties from Ruan Pienaar, who also converted both tries, also contributed to the result while Leinster - who were undoubtedly weary five days on from their Champions Cup exit - scored a try from Ben Te'o along with a conversion and penalty from Jimmy Gopperth.

Edinburgh secured a 37-0 bonus-point win over bottom of the table Zebre to maintain their aspirations of a top six finish and a place in next season's European Champions Cup.

The win saw them jump above Scarlets and Connacht into the sixth berth, at least until the pair fulfil their Saturday fixtures against Dragons and Glasgow respectively.

It also sets Edinburgh up nicely for next Friday's clash with Gloucester in the final of the European Challenge Cup.

Edinburgh totally dominated the set piece, driving the lineout maul and winning regular penalties at the set scrum.

The first try came from a lineout via Roddy Grant after nine minutes, before winger Dougie Fife went over after 26 minutes.

Two conversions and brace of penalties from rising star Sam Hidalgo-Clyne meant that Edinburgh led 20-0 at half-time.

Tries after 52 minutes from Ross Ford and again Grant four minutes later extended their advantage, with Hidalgo-Clyne converting the second which meant Edinburgh's job was done. In the final minute yet another lineout drive was finished by Stuart McInally.

Exemplifying the wretchedness of the Zebre evening, props Matias Aguero and Dario Chistolini plus winger Giulio Toniolatti were all sent to the sin bin by referee Leighton Hodges.