Instonians team to play at Armagh on sat 11th Jan
Instonians restart their All Ireland League campaign with a tough home encounter against Armagh. Armagh are the last of the top six teams that Instonians have yet to play and lie 4th in the league with 5 wins out of 7. In contrast Instonians lie 3rd from bottom with only two wins from their 7 games.
Just before Christmas the two sides met in the Ulster league, although both clubs were giving bench players a chance to play. In a close game Instonians were winning 16-0 with five minutes to play but allowed Armagh to score two tries followed by a penalty with the last kick of the game to steal a victory 17-16!!!
Instonians will be looking to see a dramatic increase in their performance from their last outing in the Ulster League when they leaked 8 tries to a rampant young Ballymena side. If the Instonians side turns up that has given some of the top teams a scare then a close game can be expected.
At hooker Ross Keane returns from work experience in London to replace the injured captain Paddy Bell.
Peter Stewart and James La Broy are back together to provide a grunt in the 2nd row.
In the backrow Paddy Marks shifts across to openside to replace young Ravens player Josh Atkinson who is starting for the Ravens against Jersey. Another up and coming backrow Daniel Lyness comes in the fill the slot at blindside. As always the ever reliable ex Carrick player Andy McKeen starts at no 8. We welcome back ex Ballynahinch back row player Lewis jones onto the bench and he is expected to get some game time.
In the backline Ireland U19s scrumhalf Conor Young gets the nod after good performance during the Christmas fixtures.
Instonians are without their trusty outhalf Richard McCarthy who has tweaked his hamstring, another ex Ballynahinch player Stuart McAllister takes his place after recent good performances.
In the centre old hand Robbie Kirk and young gun Ben Scott continue to build a partnership. They will both relish the chance to face again ex Instonians Back coach Seamus Mallon who is now doing the same role at Armagh.
A solid back 3 is strengthened with the return from injury of Richard Fegan on the wing and Nico Andress at fullback.
As usual expect to see action from a strong bench.
1 Harry Martin
2 Ross Keane
3 Josh Cregan
4 James La Broy
5 Peter Stewart
6 Daniel Lyness
7 Paddy Marks
8 Andy McKeen
9 Conor Young
10 Stuart McAllister
11 Richard Fegan
12 Robbie Kirk
13 Ben Scott
14 Ryan Aperehamma
15 Nico Andress
16 Josh Cregan
17 Conor Gallagher
18 Lewis Jones
19 Matthew Keane
20 Matthew Kilpatrick
