Only two points separate the top six teams in AIB League Division Two after Saturday's series of matches - the best of which saw Barnhall account for Young Munster in a 31-13 victory.
The Kildare men went from fourth to first on the back of a superb four-try win. They did most of the damage in the first half at Parsonstown, taking a 24-8 lead into the break.
Centre Luke Dodderell had an eventful afternoon as he scored two tries before being sent-off in the second half for foul play. His midfield partner Gareth Brown and number 8 Riann Erasmus also bagged tries for the Blue Bulls.
Munsters, who were seeking their 100th win in their 201st league fixture, had a try in each half from Mick Lynch and Michael South.
Despite tries from lock and captain Neil Megannety and prop Alex O'Sullivan, allied to ten points from the boot of James Power, Greystones lost 22-20 to a hard-grafting UCC side at Dr. Hickey Park.
Munster Academy player Gavin Dunne kicked four crucial penalties for the Cork students.
At Woodleigh Park, Highfield moved up to fifth in the table after seeing off Thomond 19-14. Ronan O'Gara's brother Fergal, playing at number 10, dropped a goal for the Corkmen, while centre Colin Mahony landed three penalties and converted lock Anthony Wise's try.
Out-half Paddy Maguire turned in a man-of-the-match performance at Gibson Park as he scored all of Suttonians' points as they overturned Malone 23-14. Maguire kicked six penalties and crossed for the Dubliners' only try.
Centre Conor Donohoe and full-back Gareth Murphy were the try scorers in Dublin University's 18-10 defeat of Clonakilty, while New Zealander Tyrone Taeipa kicked two penalties and converted David Smyth's try in Midleton's 13-5 win at Old Crescent.
At Anglesea Road, there were celebrations all-round as Old Belvedere ran out comprehensive 40-8 winners over De La Salle Palmerston and their veteran out-half Richie Murphy took the AIB League's all-time points record away from John O'Mahony.
Murphy, the former Pres Bray Junior Cup star, needed 11 points to beat O'Mahony's mark and he got 20 as he kicked four penalties and converted all four of flying winger Kevin Barden's tries.
DIVISION TWO RESULTS:
Barnhall 31 Young Munster 13, Parsonstown
Dublin University 18 Clonakilty 10, College Park
Greystones 20 UCC 22, Dr. Hickey Park
Highfield 19 Thomond 14, Woodleigh Park
Malone 14 Suttonians 23, Gibson Park
Old Belvedere 40 De La Salle Palmerston 8, Anglesea Road
Old Crescent 5 Midleton 13, Rosbrien
