THE match programme at Anglesea Road on Saturday proudly announced that the match ball was sponsored by a firm of undertakers. Both sides could have applied for the services of the hearse after a match which never lifted beyond funeral pace despite a pitch and weather ideal for a smooth, running game.

Not even the loss of four or five players who might have been expected to start could console the supporters of Old Belvedere after a defeat by a less than impressive Cork Constitution.

Both sides handled the ball as if it was soap - the one exception being Constitution's winger Dave O'Brien, who should be decent enough to pass the resin around when he is finished with it. At times it seemed the ball was glued to his hands and he emerged with great credit from a game which did not produce too many heroes.

The hands of Kenny Murphy were also significant in the Constitution performance. Murphy may have lost the cutting sparkle which made him an excellent international full-back but it was Ultan O'Callaghan in the number eight position who made it clear that any new regime in international rugby should take note of his abilities.

A feature of modern rugby is that, like the scrums, teams should not lose their put-ins. Yet in spice of having Neil Francis in their line, Old Belvedere managed to surrender possession from their throw-ins several times and also allowed the ball to be "turned over in rucks and mauls.

Even more disappointing was the small crowd - attributed to the ridiculous fixture-making in this All-Ireland League competition.

Within shouting (well roaring) distance of Anglesea Road, Old Wesley and St Mary's were playing a match which will surely have an influence on the destination of the championship. Meanwhile, Terenure were "entertaining" Instonians at Lakelands Park, a short drive away from both Donnybrook venues, while Blackrock were playing Shannon at Stradbrook. Staging four matches within a radius of 10 miles is ludicrous.

Both Old Belvedere and Cork Constitution tried to cover their inefficiencies. Belvedere's efforts seemed to have borne fruit when Franc is surged over for a try, converted by Willie Treacy, after 12 minutes, to put them into a 7-3 lead. Matters seemed to be going their way as half-time approached but Kenny Murphy sliced through several potential tackles before making the ball available to his support and Conor Twomey burrowed over to put Constitution 11-7 ahead at the break, supported by two earlier well-struck penalties by Ronan O'Gara who continues to impress.

Old Belvedere's hopes of a revival were dashed after three minutes of the second-half when Constitution drove forward and wing forward dived over for a try which O'Gara converted.

Both sides made valiant efforts but to no avail and the match, as a contest, fizzled out with Constitution well in control and Belvedere totally without inspiration as to how the situation might be rectified.