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Newry continued their winning streak with a trip to Shaws Bridge, for a replay of what was the Ulster plate final from last season against a talented Instonians side.
With both teams retaining most of their squads from their last meeting, which ended in both teams sharing the title, this was going to be a tough test away from home for Newry.
This was evident in the opening ten minutes, with both teams defences on top, making any sort of possession or territory difficult.
Instonians took the lead after a good kick chase which led to them regathring, then eventually scoring in the corner to lead 7-0.
The Blue and Whites responded almost immediately with captain Lorcan Comiskey, cleverly chipping the ball behind the Instonian defence from a scrum and dotting it down over the line to level the game.
Instonians continued to put Newry under pressure in their 22 and scored another try after good some good ball retention to lead 14-7. Despite the scoreline, Newry started to dominate possession and territory and as the hosts began to tire, Newry’s vice captain Joseph Mc Conville made a brilliant break from the halfway line, to pull Newry level 14-14.
Newry took the lead for the first time just before the break, after retaining the ball in the opposition half and earning a penalty. Ciaran Mather’s slotted the penalty to edge the Blue and whites ahead 14-17.
The second half was characterised with fantastic Newry defence and clinical attack. Conleith King marshalled the Newry attack well leading to Owen McWall deservedly scoring in the corner, after a number of good phases from the forwards to put Newry 17-24 up. With the game in the balance, Joseph McConville’s sealed the win with another great solo effort 17-31. A fine performance from Newry who have made a great start to the season.
Final score: Instonians 14- 31 Newry
Try scorers:
Lorcan Comiskey, Owen McWall, Joseph McConville x 2
Penalties/ Conversions:
Ciaran Mathers x 5
