PATIENCE is a virtue and Instonians certainly have had plenty of cause to exercise it of late.

They confronted Old Wesley at Shane Park on Saturday against the dismal backdrop of not having won a league game up until then - and they were given very little chance to bring about a change in their fortunes.

But courage, character and commitment proved a lethal cocktail against their visitors and Instonians deservedly grabbed their first points of the campaign. It was far from being a memorable encounter but Instonians will have no complaints - they desperately needed a lifeline and although the future will impose heavy demands there is now a chink of light at the end of their particular tunnel.

Old Wesley, enterprising and alert in the opening stages, lost their way in the second half when the Instonians pack, well led by Andrew Adair gained control.

Instonians willingness to stick to their game plan and their ability to snap up chances helped to increase their confidence and they finished strongly with two important second half tries.

It was Old Wesley who made the early running though and a Ronan Browne try in the seventh minute fermented the notion that it was to be the same old story for Instonians.

Roger Wilson's try though put them on level terms after 15 minutes and they played with more conviction after that.

They were given a helping hand - unintentional of course - by their visitors. Adrian Hawe had cried off and Neil Farren found himself entrusted with the place kicking duties but endured a nightmare afternoon.

Simon Bond's penalty in the 34th minute gave Instonians an 8-5 lead and within the next six minutes the home side took a stranglehold on the game.

Nicky Moffett outstripped the Old Wesley cover to streak in for a try and when Roger Wilson added his second just on half time, Instonians were 18-5 in front.

Old Wesley battled in the opening stages of the second half and their endeavours helped to bring a 46th minute try from Michael Higginson.

It was to be merely a temporary reprieve however. Instonians again went further in front when Bond landed a penalty in the 52nd minute.

Instonians dominance was further illustrated when Innes Grey put the finishing touches to a move involving backs and forwards and when Bond was on target with another penalty Instonians were coasting at 29-10.

A late Kenelik try for Old Wesley was hardly even of consolation.