Antrim got a morale-boosting win under their belts as the season got underway at Allen Park on Saturday afternoon.
In what was meant to be a league game, the team learned at kick off that Instonians had pulled from the league and that the Antrim side had already won the points regardless of the result. However it was to be a dramatic late win for Antrim.
Antrim were able to use the game to see what work was left for the forthcoming fixtures against Holywood. An encouraging number of support came down to cheer the Antrim lads on in what was a calm and grey saturday afternoon.
The opening exchanges were pretty even as both teams fought for the ball from the lineout.
Instonians made an early break into the Antrim half down the Antrim wing and were stopped by a solid tackle from Dave Thompson which ended his contribution for the day.
Antrim pressed on and the scoring was opened by Dan Phelps in outhalf who scored his first ever Antrim try by sidestepping the outhalf, winger and fullback and bursting clear for the line from halfway. Gary Smith comfortably converted and Antrim lead 7-0.
Antrim pressed again and some great work from the pack, and some good hands from the backs, let Craig McIvor in for a try after outpacing and jinking around the Instonians defence. With the conversion missed. Antrim lead 12-0.
Instonians worked the ball among the pack and made ground onto the Antrim 5 metre. A slow pick and drive resulted in a try under the posts just before halftime as the conversion sailed through with Antrim leading 12-7.
Early in the second half, Antrim then lost second row Paul McAleer to a nasty gash below the knee, later resulting in 12 stitches. In his place, Cathal McSorley made his return from a fractured leg from last season.
Antrim began to slacken off and it was Instonians who heaped the pressure on and secure another try just under the posts and convert, to take a 12-14 lead.
This was followed by a penalty which sailed over the posts as Antrim’s early dominance began to fall away to nothing as Instonians now lead 12-17.
Antrim brought on Rick Manson in order to secure some points. The pack pushed for a try as Darren Crooks, Chris McGregor, Neil Manson, Andy Chestnutt all battered the Instonians backline. The best chance coming from Cathal McSorley who broke the line only to be caught short of the 22metre.
Antrim recieved a penalty on the halfway line and Rick Manson coolly slotted home to reduce the deficit to 15-17.
With minutes remaining, another penalty from the touchline, Manson opted to try the kick and a silent Antrim touchline applauded as it sneaked over the posts as the “Spice Boys” went on to win 18-17.
It was a worthy team performance and some great individual performances from the pack lead by Darren Crooks who won nearly every ruck. Gary Walker settled in well after his mid season transfer from nearest rivals Randalstown and looked comfortable at every breakdown.
