Instonians entertained Lurgan in the first round of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup on Saturday afternoon at Shaws Bridge.

Report and images by Davie Hayes

Lurgan started of strongly with an early penalty but scrum half Stephen Nolan was unable to convert his first attempt but knocked over his second shortly after.

Instonians despite being under the cosh for the first 15 minutes started to show their class then they opened their scoring with a forward pack try that allowed hooker Neil Salters to push his way over for and unconverted try to take the score to 5 – 3 in Instonians’ favour.

Bevin Prinsloo increased the home sides advantage on the 22nd minute with a try beside the points after a stunning run that left a number of defenders in his wake. Andrew Keane knocked over the extras and stepped up for a penalty towards the end of the half to give Instonians a 15 – 3 lead.

Lurgan had the final say, of the half, on the 40th minute when Nolan slotted a penalty from a difficult angle to take the score to 15 – 6 as the teams changed ends.

The second half kicked off and Instonians extended their lead on the 49th minute when Davy Scott crossed and he was followed by Jay Reiback, Johnny Milliken and Jordan Foster all crossed with Keane adding five from the boot to take the score to 40 – 6 as Instonians cut loose.

Despite the lack of ball, Lurgan showed some serious determination when Ben McIlwaine made a sniping run, fending off some big tackles to cross the line for Lurgan, the successful conversion taking the score to 40 – 13 with just over 5 minutes remaining.

Instonians, however, had the final say when Scott crossed for his second over to finish the game in style. Keen kicked the final conversion to see Instonians through to the next round after a 47 – 13 win.

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