The first of this years Nutty Krust Quarter Finals was played at Chambers Park on Wednesday night and saw Belfast rivals Instonians U19s take on Malone U19s in an eagerly awaited contest.
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Inst kicked off the proceedings and were awarded an early penalty after 2mins of play and No 10 Gareth Lawlor slotted over the penalty to give Inst an early lead. Malone replied almost immediately pushing up the pitch and mazy run from centre No 12 Gary Andrews from outside the Inst 22 opened Malone’s account scoring under the posts. Lorcan McGillan added the conversion . Malone had a chance to further increase their lead after 11mins but Lorcan McGillan’s penalty attempt went wide.
Inst went looking for their opening try of the game but were pushed back into their own half by some good ball handling by the Malone backs. Malone had to make two replacements when no 10 and no 6 suffered injuries. The re structuring of the Malone backline was not hindered by the moving of winger Mark Widdowson into Outhalf and it was Malone who went on to score through Conor Henry and the conversion attempt by Mark Widdowson went wide. 12-3 . Malone continued press forward and increased their lead further with Conor Marley scoring and Mark Widdowson adding the extra points. Malone should have added to their tally in the first half after a superb maul and drive from the lineout but chance went begging .Inst winger Stephen Rooney made a great break just before half time but was bundled into touch.
Half time score Inst 3 Malone 19
The second half started with a period of scrappy play by both sides , but it was Instonians who were first to score after a long clearance kick up field was not gathered by the Malone fullback and Luke Connolly crashed over to score . The extra points were added by Gareth Lawlor. Inst began to grow more into the game and were awarded two penalties in quick succession but both attempts at the posts went wide . Inst pressed forward trying to reduce the arrears but it was Malone who scored next with Gary Andrews rounding off a fine move to put Malone clear .Mark Widdowson missed the conversion attempt Inst never gave up and it was again their big no 8 who reduced the arrears scoring from a quickly taken tap penalty with , Gareth Lawlor missing the conversion .
Final score Inst 15- Malone 24
There were several contenders for Man of the Match award, Malone’s no14 and no12
And Inst no 8 and no9 all having impressive games but the award which was presented by Bobby Stewart Chairman youth Rugby Ulster Branch went to Malones No 14 Mark Widdowson
Next Match is the second Quarter Final Banbridge V Omagh Wednesday 10th April
Kick off 7.45pm
