THERE was an unsatisfactory end to this game but, in the overall context, nonetheless predictable. Had Paul Allen converted, Dave Bursey's late try, Old Wesley would have snatched it.

The Clontarf coach Brent Pope put back on the number eight jersey but for much of the match he and his forwards struggled as Old Wesley imposed their authority.

Nonetheless it was the visitors who enjoyed the earlier passages of play and they went 8-0 in front by virtue of a Mick Fitzsimons try and a Mark Woods penalty. However, an interception in midfield by Colin Younger allowed the Old Wesley back to race unchallenged to the line and Adrian Hawe converted to reduce Clontarf's lead to just a point.

Hawes was unable to do the same with a Bursey score soon after but Woods was in better form and, having kicked two penalties to reestablish Clontarf's lead, Allen took over kicking duties and he duly obliged when he found the range just after the hour.

A decision by Younger to run, the ball in his own 22 a few moments later proved fatal when Matt Smith took a pass intended for Allen and he went over just to the right of the posts.

The conversion by Woods left Old Wesley needing a converted try to stay in the game and although Bursey went over to make it 21-20, Allen was unable to finish off the job.