SHANNON powered their way to an impressive victory at Shane Park, Belfast, on Saturday hut only after enduring an early fright at the hands of their hosts. Instonians may already have made the drop into Division Two but they displayed admirable commitment and enthusiasm in the early stages and their adventurous approach brought its own reward in the form of a 9-7 interval lead.
Three Simon Bond penalties proved an adequate response to Mick Galway's try which was converted by Andrew Thompson but the Instonians' resistance began to crumble in the second half when the strong Shannon park imposed themselves on the match.
A Thompson penalty gave the visitors a 10-9 lead and from then on there was never any doubt about the outcome. Four tries followed in rapid succession with Galway, Thompson, McGoey and Hayes all crossing the Instonians line while Thompson showed his accuracy by adding the points to each score.
It was a lucrative spell of place kicking by the Shannon winger and although Instonians battled bravely all they could manage was a solitary try when Wilson forced his way over for Bond to convert.
The Shannon pace and power were such that Instonians faced a rearguard action, particularly as Galvin and McGoey formed an efficient half-back partnership for the visitors and ensured that the Shannon pack kept in almost constant motion.
Such was Shannon's dominance that the closing stages were played in a canter, in keeping with the balmy sunshine and relaxed atmosphere that prevailed.
