Instonians 1St XV had a useful win 31-23 over Munster team Nenagh Ormond at Shaw’s Bridge on Saturday 9th October. This was an AIL League 3 match and the Tipperary team had to make the long journey home empty handed.
Playing against a strong breeze Instonians got off to a very encouraging start – scoring a first class try in the corner in the first couple of minutes. Nenagh then began to exert pressure and use the wind to their advantage. They eased into the lead with two well struck penalties and then scored a converted try of their own to put them 13-5 up.
In the closing minutes of the first half Instonians began to mount pressure of their own. After a number of drives to the line they were awarded a close in penalty – only to see it reversed after the intervention of a lines man. Worse was to follow, as their scrum-half was yellow carded for what looked like an illegal tackle.
Instonians started the second half with only 14 men but with the benefit of the wind. An early try put them only one point behind. But further woes were in store when their clearance from the kick-off was charged down and an easy converted try conceded. This seemed to spark Instonians into life and they mounted a long period of sustained pressure, which led to another try. Further pressure was applied and Instonians scored two more tries. Ex-Ulster centre, Seamus Mallon, scored an excellent try close to the posts to put Instonians in a commanding and winning position.
