AIB League Division Three - Round-up

Ulster sides Instonians and Banbridge lead the way in Division 3 following the third round of games.

Belfast’s Instonians club head the table after today’s 34-16 demolition of rivals Queen’s University at Shaw’s Bridge. Instonians sit on 15 points, three clear of Banbridge.

Gareth Steenson put Queen’s into an early 6-0 lead with the boot, against leaders Instonians, before the home side opened their account with a penalty from Darren Dunlop that shaved the left upright.

Prop forward Brian Barrett scored the hosts’ first try to stifle any nerves, before skipper John Gardiner was dramatically held up over the line nearing the end of the first half.

Instonians continued to press and their pack drove over the Queen’s line from a scrum on 38 minutes for Ashley Stewart to touch down for a converted try.

They held the ascendancy at half time by 15-9.

Early in the second half the visitors deliberately wheeled a five-metre scrum near their line and Instonians were awarded a penalty try.

Dunlop converted for a 22-9 lead.

A further try from hooker Johnny Craig, who lined out with Queen’s last season, saw Instonians in total command with Dunlop unfortunate with the attempted conversion.

With Craig’s try, Instonians had secured their third bonus point of the season, and a fifth try was ran in by replacement number 8 Mark Smith in the 78th minute.

They allowed Queen’s in for a consolation score in stoppage time to left matters at 34-16.

Improving Greystones notched their second win in the space of seven days, edging out home side Connemara, who lie bottom of the table after two games, 18-15 at a blustery Monastery Field.

Naas managed their first win of the season but failed to get a bonus point, in beating Suttonians 24-8 at Forenaughts.

Ballina 11 Highfield 20

Banbridge 21 Ards 20

City of Derry 35 Old Wesley 8

Connemara 15 Greystones 18

Corinthians 17 Skerries 20

Instonians 34 Queen’s Uni 16

Naas 24 Suttonians 8

Portadown 6 Wanderers 20