BEFORE this reverse, Old Wesley last digested the bitter pill of defeat in the Smithwick's Old Belvedere Floodlit Cup way back in November 1993.

The four time winners were chasing a third consecutive title and at half time there were few signs of Palmerston disrupting those plans. On a chilly, rain sodden evening, open rugby would have been folly for either side. By and large, it was spurned in favour of a dogged battle up front. As early as the 10th minute a Wesley line out was tidied up at the back by prop Moss Cox, who controlled the ensuing driving maul. With DLSP in disarray, Cox barged over the line. Out half Adrian Hawe converted.

Their lead was doubled in the 27th minute. On the back of another effective maul, second row David Bursey burst through the flimsy DLSP defence to dive over under the posts. Once again Hawe obliged with the conversion.

In that opening 40 minutes good work from flanker Declan O'Brien and number eight Ken Wheelock went unrewarded when DLSP out half Tommy James was wide with two kickable penalties.

However, James repaid his colleagues' endeavour in the second half by converting all three of his side's tries. The key to Salle's comeback was their refusal to accept Wesley's dominance up front. By the end, they were well on top.

Tries from full back Stephen Gormley and the all action O'Brien levelled matters. Thirteen minutes from time Wheelock's quick pick up from the base of a five metre scrum gave him the crucial extra yard of space he needed to ground the ball with his outstretched right arm.