IT wasn't exactly Limerick rugbys darkest hour but it was nonetheless a significant defeat as Athlone gave the West a much needed lift with an admirable victory in the final of the Ascent Cup at Anglesea Road yesterday.

With the All Ireland league now in its concluding stages, Limerick had to make do without the services of Shannon pairing, Andrew Thompson and Alan McGrath.

But Athlone's success was thoroughly deserved, the foundations of which were laid earlier on thanks in part to Robert Lee's excellent offensive running. The fullback struck hard and early when he tore through the Limerick cover for his team's first score and a similar break then saw him release right wing Dan O'Sullivan for a try under the posts.

Lee's conversion made it 12-0 at half-time but Darragh O'Sullivan, keen to atone for earlier misses, gradually cut into Athlone's lead when first converting his own try and then sending over a simple penalty.

But disaster then struck when he attempted to clear from behind his goal-line and alert Athlone scrum-half Gordon Allen was on hand to charge down his kick to go over for his side's third try and thereby put an end to Limerick's chances.