At 3;30 p.m. on Saturday, 19th April, Instonians 1st XV became the All-Ireland Division Three Champions by defeating Bruff, (previously undefeated in 18 months) at Donnybrook. Playing the same brand of open, pacy rugby that punished Queens the previous week, Instonians forwards held their own whilst the backs tore into Bruff territory almost at will. The proud men of Munster fought all the way but they just had no answer to the continuous Instonian pressure.

Click here for IRFU Match Report

Well done lads. We are proud of the whole squad.

In the years to come, you will be able to stand proud and say, "I was there!"

On Wednesday evening at Ravenhill, Instonians U20s retained the Roland Barr Trophy by beating Dungannon U20s 17-11 in a very close match.

It was a physical encounter with the bigger Dungannon pack testing the defence of their Instonians counterparts. It was the courage and commitment of the Instonians defence which won the day, stopping many a Dunagnnon attack short of the line and causing valuable turnovers.

Instonians had the edge in the backs and scored a lovely first half try after Josh Devitt eluded the Dungannon defence running a lovely angle. The other instonains try came from pressure at a Dungannon lineout.

It was an extremely close game, played in good spirit by two good teams.

It is good to retain the trophy, adding to an already good year at Instonians with both our 1st xv and 3rd xv having already gaining promotion.

At a very wet Shaw's Bridge, a large and enthusiastic Instonian throng were treated to a glorious display of slick, well disciplined, attractive, running rugby.

We are up to Division 2!

Most emphatically and deservedly, our team of heroes quite simply blew Connemara off the park in the first forty minutes - bonus point in the bag! Dogged containment and a killer strike at the end saw out a magnificent performance.

Shaw's Bridge, 4 p.m., Saturday the 29th March 2008 - the place to be!

A sincere well done to all in the squad, the management and the supporters.

Not to be outdone, the 3rd XV clinched promotion with an excellent win over Limavady.

With the 1st & 3rd XVs promoted and the U-20 winning the Goldsborough Cup, not a bad week at Instonians!

Click here to view Club teams' League Positions (from Ken Keane)

This tournament is a feature of the U20s calendar and has been running successfully for 27 years, the teams competing for the Goldsborough Trophy.

Six teams participated, after two late and unavoidable withdrawals by Dungannon and Ballynahinch.

From the pool matches Rainey, Queens, Belfast Harlequins and Instonians made it through to the semi-finals. Two very close matches followed with Rainey edging out Belfast Harlequins 10- 7 and Instonians beating the holders Queens 20-8.

The final was played between Rainey and Instonians, the two form teams of the day. The match certainly lived up to expectations, the crowd being treated to fast, free flowing rugby of the highest level - a credit to the coaching the players received both at school and at club.

Instonians won the final 25-12 to bring the trophy back home.

Throughout the day, the matches were played in the right spirit which in no small part was due the high standard of refereeing which was out of the top drawer.

U20s rugby is a vital link between school and adult club and tournaments such as this are an important part in any players progress.

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The Club Shop presents all its wares in the showcase at the top of the stairs in the Clubhouse. All the "must have" Instonian kit is there.

Just arrived is the all-new Instonian Umbrella. This sturdy piece of kit will keep its proud owner dry in the unlikely event of rain ever falling at Shaw's Bridge! A snip at £19. Contact Willie Hogg for purchase details on 07771 666773

The Club wishes to thank all those who supported our Club Lunches through the season.

Thanks to the excellent efforts of our caterers, the fine selection of speakers and the sterling organisational efforts of Rikki Noble, the lunches were a great success and enjoyed by all.

INSTONIANS LOTTERY SYNDICATE 07 - 08

FINAL PAYOUT NOTICE LOTTERY SYNDICATE 2006-2007

Once again, on behalf of the syndicate committee, the club and all the young (and not so young) rugby-, hockey- and cricket-players who so ably represent Instonians, please accept my sincere thanks for your valued membership of the Friends of Instonians Lottery Syndicate over the past year.

With your help, the syndicate last year raised over £8,000. The lottery syndicate funding has now become a very significant and welcome contributor to club operating expenses. The money is vital in ensuring that the club can continue to run the many representative sides that it does and it also helps maintain the magnificent facilities we enjoy at Shaw's Bridge.

The 2006-2007 syndicate winnings totalled £2,329 during the year. This equates to £28.75 per paid up syndicate member and cheques for this amount will be sent out shortly. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who are continuing your membership of the syndicate for 2007-2008.

We have over £1,000 in winnings so far and the syndicate has had two four number draws already. The jackpot can only be a matter of time! Please watch the club web-site for future updates. Jeff Wylie On behalf of The Syndicate Committee (Start date was Saturday June 2nd)

Portugal

Leaving Friday 2nd May

15-a-side Tournament - Saturday 3rd May
Friendly Match - Sunday 4th May

Return Monday 5th May (May Day bank holiday)

Deposit: £50 DUE NOW!
Second payment(Feb.): £50
Final Payment(Apr.): £100

Total Cost: £200

ALL PLACES TAKEN

Any problems, contact Ken Keane a.s.a.p.

The Rugby Club revised its structure and organization during the last two seasons.

Click here to view