INSTONIANS produced a spirited display that just fell short of thwarting visitors Blackrock at Shane Park on Saturday.

The home side's commitment and drive posed problems for the Dublin side throughout; but Blackrock's ability to snap up their chances proved decisive.

It has certainly not been a memorable season for Instonians but they enjoyed a tonic on Saturday and never more so than in the opening minute when Blackrock were thrown out of their stride. It was flanker Steve McNevison who drew first blood with a try after good work by Kevin McKee and the omens looked good for the home side.

Blackrock's willingness to move the ball from defensive situations paid dividends with just four minutes gone, when Brian Carey was on hand to take a Michael Roche pass and dive over for a try, which David Lynagh converted.

And scarcely had Instonians time to recover from this blow than they found themselves further in arrears. The Blackrock backs and forwards dove-tailed perfectly to release winger Aidan Guinan, who outpaced his opposite number, Graeme McCausland to dash in for the touchdown.

The visitors went further ahead with 19 minutes gone when Lynagh added a penalty. It was outhalf Simon Bond, however, who propped up Instonians' morale when he landed two important penalties in the 22nd and 34th minutes.

The Instonians pack came more to grips with their task in the third quarter, scrummaging solidly and winning valuable possession out of touch. They pulled back three points in the 61st minute when Bond kicked his third penalty to leave Blackrock clinging to a tenuous 15-14 advantage.

But Instonians were then caught by a counter punch. Alan McGowan, who had come on for the injured Brian Carey, snapped up a pass and squeezed in for a try which Lynagh converted.