A LACK LUSTRE Old Belvedere struggled throughout a scrappy but keenly contested Smithwicks Old Belvedere Floodlit rugby Cup tie at Anglesea Road last night before eventually beating Naas.

The Provincial Town's Cup winners had the better of the first half, but out half Lorcan Sheehan was unable to convert a couple of penalty chances and the match remained scoreless as half time approached.

In the last minute of the half, and somewhat against the run of play Old Belvedere hooker Gary Keogh dived over for a try after a good break by centre Martin Ridge.

Four minutes into the second half Naas were back on level, terms. Scrum half Colm Farrell kicked ahead and when Old Belvedere full back Peter McKenna, lost his footing, centre John Keegan was in to get a try for Naas.

McKenna made amends for that error at the end of the third quarter when he cut inside the Naas defence after a burst by number eight Niall Moloney.