THE spectre of relegation may have been removed from Division One but it certainly had not been replaced by flair or imagination at Shane Park, Belfast on Saturday.

In a game that was predictable and mundane it was the accurate boot of full-back Neil Farren that ultimately took Old Wesley to a deserved victory.

But it was a success achieved through rugged application rather than expansive strategy - both packs were efficient with the Old Wesley eight displaying greater mobility and stamina.

With enterprise and panache conspicuous by their absence - especially from the home side - it was the twin attributes of commitment and resilience that proved decisive.

It looked as if Old Wesley were not going to capitalise on their hosts frailties when Farren missed two early penalties. Indeed, he looked distinctly uncomfortable as both efforts failed to reach their intended destination but such was Instonians lack of drive that they failed to derive any inspiration from this.

Instead, they merely shared the Old Wesley malaise, their fullback Stuart Laing spurning three penalty chances. But he broke the ice in the 19th minute when he successfully put the ball between the posts to give his side the lead.

Instonians relief at having drawn first blood was short-lived, however. in the 24th minute Farren planted the ball between the posts to bring the sides level and it was no more than Old Wesley deserved.

Their industrious back row kept the Instonians midfield subdued and the home team's attempts to bring wingers Nicky Moffett and Graeme MeCloskey into action proved in vain.

With Old Wesley continuing to exert pressure up front, particularly out of touch, Instonians were forced into desperate defensive measures. And this presented Farren with two more penalty opportunities prior to the interval both of which he gratefully accepted.

Instonians showed more fire and passion in the second half with scrum-half Kenton Hill man prepared to take adventurous options. But when the ball travelled to the wings the Old Wesley cover defence was not found wanting, although Moffett was unfortunate on one occasion not to force his way over the line.

The Instonians pack pressed Old Wesley back but lack of cohesion disrupted promising moves between the home forwards and backs. And they paid the penalty for their inability to transform possession into points when Farren hoisted over his fourth penalty in the 70th minute.