Magnificent Ballyshannon advance to Cup semi-final after victory over Instonians

On a night that was cold and frosty and on a pitch that was just about playable, Ballyshannon Rugby Club put their best foot forward to reach the semi-final of the Butler Shield under the lights at the Lakeside Centre on Friday night.

Up against one of the kingpins of rugby in Ulster, Ballyshannon, only back this year after a hiatus, produced their best performance of the season so far, especially up front.

The slick Instonians side looked like they were going to really dominate as they camped in the Ballyshannon half in the early stages. They were repelled on a number of occasions before they eventually got over the line in the corner for the opening score. The try wasn’t converted but few would have thought that they wouldn’t score again in the game, such was their dominance in those opening 10 minutes.

The resolve built into this new-look Ballyshannon side by their team of coaches was central to the remainder of the game, not least up front where the ‘Shannon pack began to dominate, especially at scrum time.

That resolve got them on the front foot and they deservedly took the lead before half-time when Cian Barden got over the Instonians line and Danny Breen converted to leave it 7-5 at the break.

The Ballyshannon backline were intent on not letting anything past and their tackle count was off the charts. The home side did have a couple of penalty attempts in the second half to increase the lead but they were off target.

They were helped by a large number of supporters who braved the frosty night to make it a special night under the lights for the home side.

They now progress to the semi-final with their opponents still unknown.

There were stand-out performances across the park with Mark O’Shea, Cian Barden, James O’Reilly and Shane Duffy top of the class. The forwards as a unit have to get a mention for their scrummage domination.

Ballyshannon: Mark Gettins, Danny Breen, Phil Cleal, Aidan Murray, Richard Gillespie, James O'Reilly, Shane Duffy, Darren Gillespie, Paul Kerrigan, Eoin Halliday, Tommy Clyne, Mark O'Shea, Cian Barden, Conal Bradshaw, Dara Keon. Subs: Daire Gallagher, Patrick McGowan, Daire McDevitt.

Referee: Niall Patterson


Ballyshannon Rugby team before game