After beating Innishowen away in the quarter final & Malone (league winners) in the semi final at Gibson Park, Instonians U18’s climbed onboard the Champions Express Coach to Magherafelt to play the Final on Saturday.

Despite some upheaval prior to Saturdays Final, which the squad were not advised of, the team all travelled in eager anticipation of playing the Final against an unknown Omagh Accies U18 side. Nerves were definitely in abundance and even during the warm up it was very noticeable.

The game kicked off late @ 2.45pm due to unforeseen circumstances and within 7 minutes Instonians were 11-0 behind. This was simply put down to nerves so a few succinct words were imparted from the touchline and no sooner had that happened the team moved onto second gear and started getting off the blocks.

One try from Noah Graham started the comeback with a second from Shea Scullion making the score 11-10.

Omagh then struck back after a simple intercept followed up by a quick penalty making the halftime score 19-10 in favour of Omagh.

Halftime discussions took place, a few harsh reality checks took place and at the start of the 2nd half the Instonians team accelerated into 4th gear with another try from Noah Graham quickly followed by a fabulous Daniel Hu try both converted by Matthew Sweetlove making the score 24-19 in our favour.

There was then an altercation involving Adam Lowey & Noah Graham upending an Omagh player and even though the player was brought down safely the manoeuvre was deemed a ‘red card’ and Adam’s game was unfortunately ended early in the 2nd half.

This gave the team an inspired drive forward with Captain James Pepper scoring after a great pack rolling maul following a magnificent 50/22 kick from Matthew Sweetlove which went unconverted.

Omagh then struck pretty quickly afterwards with an unconverted try making the score line 32-24.

From the kick off James Kearney turned the catcher and after a burst of pick n goes and great support play Flynn Magee crossed the line for another try, converted by Matthew Sweetlove to make the score 39-24.

There was then another dubious call which resulted in James Pepper receiving a yellow card and at that point with 5 minutes left on the clock, the subs bench was emptied.

Omagh had the last try of the match again after another intercept to make the final score 39-29 in Instonians favour.

Another 6 try bonanza giving the young men a tally of 20 tries from all stages of the Cup run, unsurpassed by any other team in the Tournament. Testament to the lads, they heartily clapped the Omagh team collecting their runners up medals before James Pepper raised aloft the Ulster U18XV Shield in Magherafelt.

The lads enjoyed the coach journey back too the Club where they were applauded and a number of rickety’ sung by the 1st & 3rd XV at Shawsbridge.

A fitting tribute to a fine bunch of young men & future stars in the making.

Shea Scullion won the Man of the Match Award!