Magic from Malone inspires Instonians to title

WHEN the AIL’s most prolific attack faced the most suffocating defence, something had to give, in this Division Three final in Donnybrook on Saturday.

Ultimately it was the vaunted Bruff defence that finally cracked, with Instonians avenging a regular-season 6-5 defeat in some style.

The game was five minutes old when the first signs appeared that Bruff were in trouble. Having taken an early lead courtesy of a Brian Cahill penalty, they were carved open in midfield when Instonians inside-centre Michael McKeever made a telling 30-metre break, found man-of-the-match Niall Malone on his shoulder and the out-half dotted down under the posts. Twice more in the next 20 minutes the flying Instonians backs shredded that Bruff defence, with Malone involved each time. Winger Adam Telford scorched over for Instonians second try with full-back Owen McMurray — another impressive performer — getting in for the third.