Instonians.org/Rugby- Instonians Rugby Football Club, Belfast

This was a great result in a part of the world that has proved the downfall of recent Instonian teams, and everyone involved should be very proud that they have the chance of promotion within their grasp on Saturday.

Instonians won the toss and played into the wind, and began the game with control and composure, retaining the ball well. Although Corinthians threatened to take advantage of the wind during several periods of the first half, the defence was sure, and Instonians were first to appear on the scoreboard, when Adam Telford intercepted a pass to sprint from deep inside his own half to score. His form has been one of the features of the season, and he ranks third in the top try-scorers' list in AIL Division 3.

Unfortunately a missed penalty kick to touch, followed by a missed tackle allowed Corinthians to come back into the match and attack our line. Our indiscipline at a ruck gave the home side a penalty, which they took quickly and the resulting score was converted to make the score 5-7. Instonians responded well and Corinthians infringed following a run from Richard Fegan. Niall Malone kicked the penalty to allow us to regain the lead 8-7. A good period of play ensued just before half time.

Everybody played to their peak, displaying correct decision-making, great concentration, determination and skill, which culminated in an overall magnificent team performance with forwards and backs playing high quality rugby. After good forward effort, quick and skilful handling from the backs allowed Michael McKeever to cross for an unconverted try, so that Instonians went in at the break 7-13, seemingly a comfortable cushion for a second half playing with a strong wind.

Straight from the kick-off in the second half, we lost the opportunity to gain dominance and field position because of bad tackling. We failed to use the wind blowing with us from right to left by allowing them to dictate that the game was played on our right wing. However last ditch defence and sheer will to win kept us in it.

Instonians struggled to obtain any possession, but significantly Corinthians were not able to convert their pressure into points. Eventually we found a phase a play in which the forwards used strength, determination and technique in the rucks and the backs moved the ball with intelligence, and a series of phases ended as Niall Malone gave a very nice pass to Mark Wilson who scored between the posts. The try was converted for a score of 7-20

The team has displayed loads of quality and commitment but with that must draw on sustained concentration to produce the beautiful combined forwards and backs rugby played in the last ten minutes to beat Carlow, and before half time to beat Corinthians.

This is a good team which can face the challenge to be winners on Saturday.

Glory - seconds from disaster!

Instonians 24 - Co.Carlow 20

This knife-edge result has kept Instonians in the hunt for promotion, and it was a well-won victory, with the final touch of the match securing the win.

After a couple of unfortunate defeats, there was an obvious anxiety in the team, and perhaps it was the fear factor which led to an error-strewn start to the game. Playing with the wind in the first half we missed several opportunities through missed passes and turnover ball, although an early good run from Mark Wilson supported by Niall Malone gave us the cushion of an quick lead in the first 10 minutes. About ten minutes later, a good piece of forward work arising from a secure lineout from Kenny and some good work from the front row, allowed Davy O’Hara, who had an excellent game, to squeeze through a gap to score again and bring the match to 14-0.

The supporters started to smile and consider the possibility of a vital bonus point.

But shortly afterwards, a lack of concentration allowed Carlow straight back into the match and the score of 14-7, with the wind, did not seem so comfortable. Carlow really began to believe in themselves, their physicality increased in contrast to ours, and they buffeted our line. Crucially we lost Scott Uren and Darren Lyttle to the sin bin. This was an unlucky turn of affairs, as the home spectators felt that Carlow had been infringing for most of the match, and our players’ misdemeanours did not seem to reflect the balance of the match.

The period after half time for the 13 men on the pitch was vital, and the fact that they did not concede during this time, speaks volumes for the character and perseverance of the side. Perversely, once our numbers returned to 15, we lost our edge and again concentration and allowed Carlow in for a fairly soft try, to make the score a very nervy 14-12.

Our forwards upped their performance and the scrum began to dominate, aided by the return of Chris Schofield. It was a set of good scrums which allowed Davy to put away Adam Telford. The pass was slightly impeded by the referee, and it was a matter of judgement as to whether Adam squeezed in at the corner, but thankfully the try was given. 19-12 and we breathe slightly more easily.

But this was a short relief as Carlow battled on and another slightly erratic decision gave them a penalty. They scored from the maul from the lineout and the score went to 19-17 with about fifteen minutes to go.

The next period was one of grim determination. As Carlow recycled and recycled and as their coaches urged them to be patient, we gave them a penalty, which they converted. 20-17 and many at the ground feared that that was the end of the season’s hopes.

But happily the boys persisted in their own belief, and Instonians played intelligently in the last moments, keeping the ball in hand, using forwards and backs with control and patience, and finally Niall Malone switched the ball to the blind side and Richard Fegan, as only he can, with great hunger, skill and determination eluded Carlow’s defence to score in the corner in the final seconds. Soccer style celebrations followed as his fellow players fell upon him in joy and relief.

The next two games must be won but the team and management must congratulate themselves on this lucky escape.

Oops!

Waterpark 28 Instonians 27

This was a vital match which Instonians should and could have won but which Waterpark did not deserve to lose. Instonians were unlucky to meet a Waterpark team revitalised by a recent change of coach, a club man who is acting in an unpaid capacity, and who has found a formula for success. Although our boys tried hard, in too many situations Waterpark were more aggressive and competitive. Fifty-fifty balls tended to go their way, our first up tackling was often not good enough, there were too many turnovers, and our tally of forced and unforced errors was higher than usual. Once again, we kicked away possession, and once again we proved that when we kept the ball in our hands we were a dynamic force.

We stuttered to begin with and were 10 nil down before we really got our hands on the ball. A couple of lineouts had gone astray (though the lineouts recovered well in the second half) and Waterpark had maintained good pressure. Eventually we decided to move the ball effectively and with speed and scored two good tries from Malone and Scott to go in at half time 10.12. Unfortunately, Michael McKeever, who along with the skilful and pacy runner, Richard Fegan, had looked hungry and competitive, was injured and had to leave the pitch. Subsequently our mid field defence looked much more vulnerable.

In the second half, the pattern seemed to continue. The Waterpark team grew in confidence and lucky bounces and pressure opened a hefty gap in their favour but to the boys’ credit they fought back and when two more tries by Mitchell and Simpson were added to our haul, giving us the bonus point it looked very much as if we were going to win the day. Somehow or other, a lack of concentration led to a very late try for Waterpark, and as we tried to claw back a victory, a vital penalty goal was missed. Desperately, we attacked their line and were able to recycle the ball effectively, before Malone attempted but failed to slot a drop goal and the final whistle blew. Two bonus points gained, but it should have been a win, which, given the other results, would have left us in a much more secure position.

The boys will once more be feeling very disappointed, but if they play to their strengths they can seize the victory.

A Close Run Thing!

Bruff 6 Instonians 5

This was a hard-earned bonus point, which could easily have been a deserved away victory. The boys will have been disappointed by the defeat, but every individual played well, and they should be proud of the performance and look forward to the remaining games of the season.

Instonians started very well with the wind and quickly imposed themselves, as the forwards took it to the opposition and the backs made incisive incursions. However, it quickly became apparent that we were going to play a kicking game, and throughout the match many kicks were not well executed. The tone was set when Chris Schofield, having started one of his trade-mark rumbles chose to kick, instead of continuing to carry.

A good period of play followed and what would have been a deserved try was prevented when "Scho" was held short of the line. Shortly afterwards, good interplay between backs and forwards, finished off by Richard Fegan, gave us a 0-5 lead. This promised well and demonstrated that Bruff’s renowned defence could be breached by spreading the ball. Bruff is a good all round team without any starry players. They have excellent set pieces and they look comfortable moving the ball. But our set pieces are just as good, if not better, and there were points at which we had their pack under pressure but did not push the pressure through to domination.

In the critical period before half time, Bruff put us under enormous pressure, and although we held out with stout defence and determination, penalties became inevitable and Adam Telford was sent to the sin bin. In his absence in the second half, Bruff astutely kicked to the his wing and two penalties were conceded for off-side offences making the score 6-5.

Bruff now gained in stature and looked like a composed and competent team who knew what was required. Instonians might have chosen the option to retain, retain and re-cycle, but again pursued the kicking route which resulted in the Bruff back three running it back at us. In fact we found it hard to get out of our half in the second half. Close to the end, a break-away gave us the opportunity for a penalty to seize the victory. Heart-breakingly, the penalty was missed and we were forced to leave with the consolation of a vital bonus point.

Nearly "All's Well that ends Well."

Instonians 38 Sunday's Well 13

A good win, six tries and a much needed bonus was a fine result for Instonians on a windy Saturday, but although there was much to applaud in the performance, the boys will know themselves that they can raise their game further, and only poor finishing by the visitors kept the winning margin healthy.

Sunday's Well played with the strong wind behind them and Instonians spent much of the first half in our own 22.The Munster pack was big, combative and played as a unit, while our forwards too often played as individuals and we lost some of the cohesive strength. Our set pieces were not as consistent as usual. In the scrums, we were not favoured by the interpretation of the laws, and in the lineouts the gusty conditions made long throws difficult to control. Although we did achieve some turnover ball, spectators felt that we did not take it to them enough. Instonians spent much of the first half tackling. There were many excellent tackles and quite a few terrible misses.

The two early tries were against the run of play. In the first, Niall Malone took an interception deep within his own half and with no support play had no option but to run the length of the pitch and score beneath the posts. The conversion was slotted by Owen McMurray. For the second try, a fine break by winger Adam Telford was finished off by Darren Lyttle. This was not converted and with two Sunday's Well penalties forced by forward pressure the score at half time was 12-6.

In the second half, the expectation was that Instonians, with the wind behind them, would play for position, but in fact we continued to run it, even from within our own 22, a high risk strategy. The forwards began to come into their own, and the next two tries were scored by Scott Uren, from drives from the pack. Wilbur Leacock took an opportunist try from a Sunday's Well mistake at the front of the line-out, and as the result now seemed certain, the reserves took to the field. The visitors seized the opportunity for a consolation try, but in the final moments Michael McKeever crossed the line to extend the points tally.

The next game is the crunch match away to league leaders Bruff. The Munster side have only conceded an average of four points per game in the leagure. By all accounts our boys are quite capable of beating them, but we will need to apply the controlled power and aggression of eight forwards playing together, and feeding our talented and speedy backs to achieve the result. And we will need to tackle, tackle and tackle again.

Back on Track?

City of Derry 7 Instonians 29

All credit to Clem and his management team for getting the side moving again after a disappointing post-Christmas display at Banbridge. While the engine did not seem to operate quite as smoothly as before the break, this was a much better performance and the boys appeared much more hungry and determined. Instonians played to their strengths and used the fast-running backs to good effect, and the large travelling contingent of supporters went home more hopeful of a positive outcome to the season.

The score, however, slightly flatters Instonians, as the home side fought hard, and enjoyed good spells of possession and territorial advantage. Derry were unable to capitalise on that and now find themselves struggling. Ulster rugby would be the losers if the north-west side went down, and we wish them well for their remaining games.

The only change to the line-up for this game was the return of Niall Malone at out-half while Owen McMurray started at full back. The good conditions enabled a fast running game and it was not long before the speed and quick-thinking of forward and back combined, as Scott Uren made a good break to allow Richard Fegan to finish in the corner. Not long after, Richard, who looked as if he was enjoying himself, eluded several Derry tackles to sprint to the line for a second well-taken try. Owen converted this try and added a penalty to leave a satisfactory 0-15 scoreline at half time.

Crowd-pleaser Chris Schofield pulled off one of his bullocking runs from far out and after a couple of nifty interchanges, finished it off himself, crossing the line to his own delight and that of the Instonian faithful. Owen again converted. Adam Telford will think himself unlucky not to have added to his personal try tally, as, after a very good passage of play and strong finish to cross the line, he was judged to have stepped into touch.

For some reason, the Instonian scrum did not enjoy its usual dominance in the second half, and as Derry began to pile on the pressure Mitchell and Schofield were replaced in the front row by Simpson and Good. Although both are excellent replacements, it was noticeable that a couple of line-outs following the substitution were lost, perhaps because of less effective lifting.

Derry’s pressure resulted in a converted try, but Michael McKeever, who had a very good game, clinched the valuable bonus point crashing over for a try which Owen converted.

A good result, intelligently captained by Wilbur, but he will need to ensure that every player matches his own work rate for every minute of the game, if we are to succeed. There are too many turnovers on the ground and the first-up tackling is still not urgent enough, but it was a satisfactory performance on which to build.

Fetch the Jump-leads!

Banbridge 19 Instonians 8

Banbridge started the match with urgency, attack, physical intensity and determination. They played to a well-defined match plan which suited their capacity and strengths. Instonians started the match tentatively, sluggishly and without speed or impact. For the first ten minutes, they did not move from their own 22 and it was only the tackling of Scott Uren and missed penalties from Banbridge which prevented the score rising at a point a minute.

The Instonian supporters who had travelled in decent numbers buoyed after the 78 pointer against Midleton, experienced a worrying feeling of déjà vu and those who had anxiously expressed their doubts about a four week break from competitive matches for the team as a unit, felt that their worst fears were justified. Once again in Instonians’ recent history, the team has come out of a Christmas period looking very rusty, slow of thought and foot and with their physical sharpness reduced. Although all the boys tried hard, and bravely endured long sessions of Banbridge pressure without conceding, there was no cohesion, and even the best players made uncharacteristic mistakes.

Although starved of ball on the ground - Banbridge were well organised and more aggressive in ruck and maul - Instonians could have had enough ball to let our backs move effectively, and it would appear that the home team could not have coped with the sheer pace of our backs. Our line-out was always decent, and although we struggled in the scrum to begin with, by the second half, our forwards had remembered what it was like to play in a competitive match and had begun to assert themselves in their customary fashion. But our tactics continued to play to Banbridge’s strengths and runners from the back of the scrum, and forwards running in the middle of the field were constantly turned over. The kicking game plan was hard to fathom.

In addition, as players became more and more frustrated, we gave away a lot of foolish penalties which allowed Banbridge to run up the score board, and deny us any hope of even an away bonus. For the record, Adam Telford scored a well taken try, which was typical of the play of most of the season, but that was a rare bright spot in an otherwise bleak afternoon.

However, this is a side of considerable mental strength and team spirit, as well as talent and skill, and they should put Saturday behind them and go on to make us proud and secure the results the players deserve.

Festive Feast

Instonians 78 Midleton 3

Celebrity chef and Instonian, Paul Rankin, was a popular speaker at the pre-match lunch on Saturday, but not many supporters could have anticipated the feast of rugby which the Firsts cooked up against a bullish Midleton side. Few can remember a 78 point victory in a competitive match, and it brings the club back to even standing with Bruff.

There are several important factors about this resounding result.

- It was the first time for weeks that the conditions suited our backs and the speed and power of the runners was awesome.
- Midleton were a predictably aggressive Munster side, and as the afternoon wore on they became more frustrated and more aggressive. Instonians were more than a match for the physicality of the visitors.
- The team continued to play for each other. Even at the end, when it would have been tempting to go for a personal try tally, players unselfishly gave well-timed passes. There was evidence that each player knew their role and executed it. This is particularly pleasing as there are several big personalities in this team, but the collective work ethic is strong.
- This team is fit.

Despite the one-sided result, it took Instonians a little while to get into a pattern, and there were mistakes and over-elaboration, but once the forwards established their supremacy, there was only going to be one winner. Again the try-scoring honours were shared by forwards and backs, which is indicative of the balance of this team, and they were claimed (I think) by Gary Mitchell (the first two!) Darren Lyttle, Wilbur Leacock, Richard Fegan, Scott Uren (2) David O’Hara, Mark Wilson, Adam Telford and Owen MacMurray.

There was excellent vocal support for the home side. In the next two weeks we play Harlequins and Derry in the Ulster League, before a very important game against Banbridge in AIL on 12th January. The boys would appreciate - and deserve - a lot of support.

Undefeated

Instonians 38 - Nenagh 15

The lunchtime supporters were treated to a rare visit from a poet, as Michael Longley, a former pupil and ex-teacher of RBAI, addressed the diners to great appreciation.

Outside, the conditions would have tested the descriptive powers of any writer, as the wind and rain lashed across the Shaw’s Bridge pitch. Although the weather was atrocious, the surface was in good condition, and Instonians, having won the toss, opted to play into the gale. They are getting accustomed to having to deal wisely with the elements this season.

Although most observers would have expected a close, dour encounter, Instonians began the game by spreading the ball, and within four minutes Jamie Scott had broken from the 22, and the ball passed from Owen MacMurray to Adam Telford for a try.

Not long after Josh Devitt kicked the ball ahead, and Michael McKeever’s skill and handling led to a second try which was converted by Owen.

The third try was a trademark forwards effort, as a drive from a lineout, with superb power and control from the forwards, led to a try for Wilbur Leacock.

The game now developed into a scrappy phase. Nenagh applied a lot of pressure and although Instonian defence was stout, the indiscipline, which must be guarded against, led to number of penalties, one of which was converted by Nenagh. Nenagh are a team with a lot of fine qualities, organisation and aggression, and they probably felt that they were unlucky to be going in 14 down at half time.

Stephen Corr and Josh Devitt were forced off by injury, and the strength in depth was evident in the vital fourth bonus point try, when replacement John Gardiner was involved in a good move which combined the skills of Davy O’Hara, Niall Malone and finally the excellent Scott Uren, who scored.

The fifth try was claimed by Niall Malone, but after that the game deteriorated. Some shape was lost by substitutions, and Nenagh battled away ferociously enough to gain two tries, to leave the score at 38-15.

This was a great result. The backs looked sharp and fast. They played for each other and for the most part tackled well. There is a lot of talent out there. The forwards were once again magnificent. Scott worked tirelessly and his technique is excellent. Wilbur leads by example and is inspirational and astute. Darren imposed his purposeful aggression. The team looked very happy in the club house afterwards and they deserved to do so.

Congratulations to the coaching team of Clem, Niall and Jarrett. There is a cohesion, strength and structure about the team’s performance. Just keep up the concentration!

Still Unbeaten

Naas 3 Instonians 7

Once again, the conditions played a dominant role in a hard-fought encounter with a determined Naas side.

Instonians played with the wind in the first half, and began well. The customary dominance in the scrum was quickly established and in the opening period there were several opportunities for push over tries. Such was the ascendancy, that it looked as if a four try bonus point was a strong possibility. Despite effort and pressure, we were stopped short of the line on many occasions, however, and it was only when we spread it wide and gave the backs a chance that we managed to break the deadlock with a good try in the corner by ‘Rusty’ Fagan, who has joined the club from Malone this season. Owen McMurray slotted a fine touchline conversion to make it 0-7.

It was worrying that Naas were in contention at half time with the wind advantage to come. Although we dominated the scrums, we never put their line-out under pressure, which allowed them to stay in the game.

In the second half the home team kicked, but we ran it well in counter-attack and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. To add to the anxiety, it looked for a while that indiscipline might cost us dearly with a referee, who was keen to give penalties, but we settled down, and it was good to see a level of maturity and control.

In the last period the determination not to lose was epitomised by the driving of Wilber, and astute tactics ensured that we held out.

This was the sort of game that we have thrown away in recent seasons, so it is most heartening to record a deserved win at Naas. Well done to the boys and thanks to the travelling Instonians supporters who added to the occasion.

Another win - just!

Instonians 22 Queen’s 21

This vital top of the table encounter left Instonians joint top of the table with Bruff, but trailing on points difference.

It was a hard-fought victory, in which the conditions were a major factor. A stiff wind gave QUB the edge in the first half, but by the interval the wind had more or less disappeared and a steady heavy downpour negated the skill of the two talented sets of backs and allowed the power of the Instonians pack to dominate.

At the start of the match, both sides attempted to play some running rugby, and Queen’s were also able to capitalise on the wind advantage with some intelligent kicking. However, handling errors on both sides led to a disrupted phase and indiscipline allowed Queen’s the first strike with a penalty. Instonians struck back with a good try from Darren Lyttle who played a purposeful, combative game. It came from a five metre scrum, and it was an early sign of Instonians’ strength. The try was not converted.

Despite this, the next try came with a students’ catch and drive from a lineout, an advantage which sprang from a mix-up in the Instonians three-quarters. The Queen’s kicker slotted the conversion to make it 5-10.

The match developed into a series of forward tussles, with the home side maintaining the upper hand. But pressure was not converted into points and from a series of mistakes, Queen’s were able to regain territory, and they were able to capitalise as they moved wide from a scrum and scored in the corner. It was a difficult day for kickers - and for hookers’ throws - and the visitors’ try was not converted. 5-15.

Owen managed to slot a penalty shortly before half time, and for a while both teams tried to play a kicking game. A needless penalty in the Instonians’ 22 gave the students a half time lead of 8-18. The wind could have been assessed as a ten-pointer, but for some reason it faded, and Instonians were faced with bucketing rain and a difficult deficit to overcome.

As the match degenerated in the backs with scrappy ball and kicks directed at the QUB wings, the front five came into their own and the final result of the match belongs to them, as their technique, strength and guile prevailed. Darren Lyttle claimed another try from another scrum and Owen converted. 15-18

Queen’s claimed another penalty to open the gap again, 15-21, but shortly before the final whistle Niall Malone gathered a loose ball and sprinted over to score a surprising try which delighted the home crowd. His conversion gave the victory 22-21.

‘Never in doubt,’ agreed the Instonians faithful.

Good points: the magnificent work of the pack; the ability, once again to come from behind; an evidently strong sense of teamwork; making correct leadership decisions; fitness.

Needs to be worked on: first up tackling (look at our points against); kicking to the attacking backs; needless penalties.

But well done. A very good result.

Another Bonus point Win!

Ards 13 Instonians 31

Instonians deserved the win and the bonus point after a gutsy and controlled performance against a good Ards team.

With Wilbur back from injury the front row had its familiar formidable appearance, and changes to the backs meant that Niall Malone went to full back, while Owen McMurray resumed at out half, a combination which allowed Niall to make several excellent runs from deep. Josh Devitt returned to the wing. Instonians are fortunate to have considerable strength in depth this season and on most weeks we start with an excellent bench of subs.

The home team had the wind in the first half, but although Ards played well they did not do enough to impose themselves upon the game. They notched up ten points, before half time. When an Ards player was yellow-carded, Instonians pressed hard with waves of attacks against a resolute, if desperate defence, but did not manage to convert the pressure into points, and we wondered was it going to be one of those days, but just before the interval whistle, Adam Telford went over on the wing, Owen converted and the half time score was 10-7.

In the second half Instonians came out with determination, but after ten minutes, a serious injury to Mark Wilson forced the game to be halted for thirty minutes. We are glad to learn that the problem is tissue damage, and wish Mark well for a speedy recovery. As the players came back on to the field, the light faded and the wind increased a little, and Instonians tightened the pressure with a series of very powerful forward drives. Another yellow card for Ards intensified the problems for the home team, and two John Gardiner tries and one each for Michael McKeever and Adam Telford led to the much-valued bonus point.

Lots of positives from this performance. There was plenty of hunger on the pitch, exemplified by the work rate of Stephen Corr. There was a composure and control which should bode well for the future. Yet again, the team came back from being points down. The forwards played with strength, passion and concentration and the backs look very hard to stop when they are going forward. Jamie Scott had a very good match.

On the negative side, we need to improve our start, to impose ourselves from the beginning and to cut out early indiscipline. There was a tendency to stand back from the first-up tackle, especially in the first half, and the disruption of rhythm caused by substitution needs to be guarded against.

When Ards beat Instonians towards the end of last season the web report spoke of ‘abject defence’ and ‘lack of pride’. That was certainly not the case yesterday, but the key to this year is to keep the momentum and the concentration.

Top of the table

Instonians 34 Rainey O.B. 22

At the lunch before Instonians’ match against Rainey Old Boys, around twenty former captains joined the diners. While they will have enjoyed the result, one or two of them may have shaken their wise old heads over several aspects of the game.

This was a good Instonians performance, and the vital bonus point has brought us to the top of the league, but it was a very hard-won match against a gritty Rainey side. The need for enforced changes had given selection problems, but in the end the chosen side worked well, with a front row of Schofield, Good and Mitchell, with Gary throwing at the lineout. Inevitably, the lineout was not quite as effective as usual, although Gary coped manfully. The odd crooked throw was not as damaging as it might have been as the Instonian scrum was so strong that Rainey was denied clean ball.

Throughout the game discipline proved to be a problem, and early penalties were exchanged. Owen MacMurray, returning to the 1sts, slotted the first, a Rainey infringement which was forced by urgent Instonian chasing but Rainey replied with two soon after and Darren Lyttle was sin-binned.

The experiment of using Adam Telford on the wing seems to be bearing fruit with improvement in ball retention, and he got the first of a brace of tries finishing well from a good break from Scott Uren. Scott continues to add a strong attacking element to the side, although in this match he was a little careless in the offload on a couple of occasions. Adam Telford is a very strong runner, and one very satisfying element of this game was the speed of the backs and their ability and determination to finish. Owen converted the try.

Shortly before half time, a crooked Rainey throw was scooped up at the back of the lineout by Scott Uren who crossed the line for a good opportunist try, again converted by McMurray, giving the home side a somewhat flattering 17-6 lead at the interval.

After the break, Rainey came out strongly and with two penalties for continuous infringements at the ruck, reduced the gap to 5 points. Needless loss of points by failing to observe the referee’s priorities could prove costly as the season progresses. Pressure from the visitors mounted and Instonians did not help their cause by kicks aimed at the grateful hands of the Rainey backs. Stout defence kept the line intact, however, and another strong run from Telford sent scrum half Davy O’Hara over for a third try. Telford scored again after a good forward drive.

With the bonus point secured, it might have been more sensible to close down the game but a frantic period of play ensued, with both sides playing basketball rugby, resulting in a try for Rainey which narrowed the gap once more. There was no clear evidence of leadership on the pitch at this stage, and when a penalty was awarded in the last minute it looked as if Instonians might go for the corner, instead of taking the points. To the relief of the crowd, the side opted for a kick, and Davy O’Hara slotted the conversion which denied Rainey the bonus point.

NO DULDRUMS IN THE DRUMLINS

Ballynahinch 18 Instonians 34

Instonians gained a second emphatic win against a Division Two side in three weeks, this time bringing a well-deserved victory back from Ballynahinch. Three Division Two sides have been defeated this season.

Tries came from Davy O’Hara, Scott Uren, Jamie McCullough and Mark Wilson, all converted by Niall Malone who added two penalties.

The fact that three tries were scored by forwards emphasises the teamwork evident on the pitch. It was good to see that all units were working well. The front five, the middle five and back five were cohesive and efficient units. Set pieces worked well and there was a noticeable improvement in support play and rucking. The team, as a whole, can take credit for this, but Scott is making a huge contribution to the side by the continuity work he brings. His defence is also aiding the half backs, who both played well and controlled the game. They are playing intelligent and thoughtful rugby, linking forwards and backs well.

One aspect, which may need to be tightened, is the period of the game when substitutions are made. The men on the pitch must keep their concentration and discipline while the new players settle in. On this occasion, two soft tries were given away, which could be critical in a more competitive situation. This tendency must be eliminated.

On the whole, it is encouraging to record that, over the last few weeks, the squad has begun to perform well. The test is now to pick a winning team from the considerable talent which is available. The side still has scope to improve and maintaining consistency over the season will be their biggest challenge.

A.I.L. Cup

Australia, New Zealand, Young Munster - "Lo, how the mighty art fallen!"

Instonians 34 Young Munster 24

Those Instonian supporters who chose to watch the World Cup Match on television, on a gloriously balmy autumn afternoon missed a fine encounter against Young Munster, who, although in the division above the home side, were well beaten.

There was much talk in the clubhouse before the game of previous Instonians/Young Munster matches, when internationals and inter-provincials lined up against each other, and Peter Clohessy faced the daunting prospect of scrumming down against the great front row of Gary Bell, Andy Adair and Brian Barrett. They were always close affairs, and, in comparison, Saturday’s win was emphatic.

There was much to enjoy in Saturday’s performance. The ball from the line-outs was secure and effectively used. Only the front row knows what was happening in the scrums, where supremacy swung from pack to pack. There was an urgency, physicality and hunger for loose ball which was great to see, with Kenny and Mark to the fore in the forward encounters and our back-row newcomer, Scott, showing strong intent, and a capacity to re-cycle the ball well. It was great to see the pack working so well as a unit, particularly as the forwards have been so disrupted by injury. The vocal leadership and example of Wilber added a lot to the momentum and cohesion of the forwards.

The half backs distributed the ball with intelligence and skill, and behind them there were terrific bursts of speed and aggressive attack, especially from out new full back, Joshua. The score could have been even more decisive had it not been for some loose defence and crucial lack of concentration.

This was a good performance on which to build, but there is still a lot of hard work ahead.