Instonians 34, Ballynahinch 15.
This friendly kicked off in sunny conditions at Shaw’s Bridge on 12 February. There was no score until 24 minutes when Ballynahinch scored a deserved try after a period of pressure. Inst, as has been their style, hit back a couple of minutes later with a try by Michael Kirvell which was converted to put them ahead. However,Ballynahinch enjoyed the best of the rest of the half and scored a penalty and then a converted try in injury time to leave them 15-7 up at half-time. Unnecessary penalties were costing Instonians dear.
The second half was a different affair with Instonians dominant throughout. The big Ballynahinch pack were tiring and no match for the lively Instonian’s forwards and speedy backs. The interplay between backs and forwards was excellent and in the end Ballynahinch were run ragged. Further tries were scored by Kadhum Hassan, Michael Melville, Michael Kirvell and Johny Shivers to leave Instonians comfortable winners.
