| Instonians Newsletter – Wednesday 23rd March |
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Recent results / events
Tues 15th March
1st XV won 33-3 away to Dromore 1st XV in the league Still in contention for the league with 1 game remaining
1st XV full results & fixtures: Instonians - 1st XV Fixtures and Results 2021-2022 1st XV League Table: League – Page 161118 – Ulster Rugby (sportsmanager.ie)
Fri 18th March
U21s lost 5-28 to Banbridge U21s in the Club Academy Cup Final. Final was played at the Kingspann Stadium. When this group of players started in September, with about 10 players and built throughout the season to nearly 30, no-one would have expected a final at the home of Ulster Rugby. On the night some gaps in defence gave Banbridge some soft trys. The lighter Instonians team tackled like demons for most of the game and should be proud of their efforts. By the time the squad got on the coach to return to Shawsbridge, you could have been excused for thinking they had won the match. Great squad and great coaches. Build on for next year. Still got our own Instonians U21s Easter Monday tournament to prep for.
Saturday 19th March
Seahorses coaching at home
U12s away to Blitz at Carrick, Academy were there too.
U18s won 43-5 away to Innishowen in the first round of their cup. More good signs for the future.
1st XV lost 26-27 to Queens 2nd XV in McCrea Cup Semi-final Clearly a close game, were the Instonians set piece dominated but Queens were clinical with the little possession they had. We wish Queens the best in the Final. Instonians took the chance to rest some players and give some 2nd XV players their opportunity on the 1st XV. An experience that will benefit them in the future.
2nd XV could not field a team away to Enniskillen 2nd XV. With half the team on the 1s XV, other players involved on Friday night with the U21s and injuries, we unfortunately could not field a team. Apologies to Enniskillen.
2nd XV full results & fixtures: 2nd XV League Table: League – Page 161124 – Ulster Rugby (sportsmanager.ie)
Wednesday 23rd March
3rd XV won 19-12 away to Banbridge 4th XV in the league Great team effort especially considering losing 2 players in an accidental head clash in the 1st minute. The boys tackling was great and link up play and desire to run the ball. Banbridge had a kick to win right at the death and when they missed it instead of kicking it out for a draw we ran it back from behind our own line and with great link up play the final pass to Ben Chambers resulted in him running in from about the 10 yard line under the posts. Try of the season for sure. Superb, simply superb
3rd XV full results & fixtures: 3rd XV League Table: League – Page 161127 – Ulster Rugby (sportsmanager.ie)
Results this week were mixed. However with U18s winning and U21s in their cup final it shows we have some young exciting talent coming through. 1st XV win at Dromore 1st XV on a wet Tuesday night showed some real determination. It will be needed to win our last game!! 2nd XV not fielding shows how big a squad you need. 3rd XV again show spirit to win a game at the death.
Upcoming fixtures
All teams really appreciate your support – do your best to be on the side-line
Sat 26th March
1pm to 2pm Mini seahorses coaching at Shawsbridge Then staying to watch the 1st XV
1st XV host Clogher Valley 1st XV in the final league match. 2.30pm Kick off. Whoever wins the match, wins the League. They then go on to represent Ulster in the All Ireland League play offs. Clear your diary, get down to Shawbridge and cheer on your team.
2nd XV no game
3rd XV home to Ballymoney 3rd XV in the plate semi-final 2.30pm Kick off (Match might be brought forward if Ballymoney agree, so players can support the 1st XV)
Other information:
Sat 26th March Against Clogher Valley 1st XV Last league game of the season. Winner wins the league Biggest game of the season. Pre Match Lunch booking now open. Limited Availability. When it's booked up it’s booked up. (Last 2 pre match lunches were sold out) Contact Owen 07808262467 Instonians RFC Raffle
Mini Rugby Party - Sunday 3rd April Christmas party rescheduled
Instonians Fundraising Ball – Fri 13th May PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CLUB - EVERYONE IS VERY WELCOME Dear Instonian As you may have heard, our biggest fundraising event for many years is now rescheduled for Friday 13th May. With greatest living All Black, Sean Fitzpatrick as guest speaker, we are looking forward to a really exciting event. For the avoidance of any doubt, there is no requirement to arrange a full table. Individual tickets for the event are available at https://www.seahorsesminirugby.co.uk/product/fundraising-sports-dinner/ We have set aside a number of ‘club tables’ to ensure any Instonians buying individual tickets will spend the evening with some friendly faces. Please remember that partners are very welcome too. We are very lucky that the format remains the same and the full original line up is still intact as detailed below -
If you need any further information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Neil Gillies Mob: 07919 493 797
“Here Come the Girls” ladies lunch Our ‘Here Come the Girls’ ladies lunch at the Club scheduled for Sat 29th Jan has unfortunately been postponed due to Covid restrictions. The Ladies are currently working with the Bar Committee to identify an alternative date. We’ll confirm this asap.
The Instonians Executive Committee have now received the final design proposal for Instonians 1App which will become the communications tool for all on and off pitch details for rugby, cricket and hockey. Development will start early February and is expected to be completed late spring.
Project Seahorse Project Seahorse has been well received with generous donations coming in regularly. If you haven’t yet had a chance to view the rugby club video and consider making a donation, please have a look https://projectseahorse.co.uk/
Club Shop Contact: Michael Fairbanks 0774 760 8021 |