Gareth McCullough kicked Instonians to the Ulster Senior Cup title at a windswept Ravenhill last night. The former Ireland under-21 out-half, who kicked all of his side's points in the 21-11 semi-final success over Portadown, was on the mark with three more penalties to allow Instonians to lift the cup for the first time in 20 years.

Malone scored the only try of the game, a cracking effort by centre Andy Mackey in the 67th minute, but it failed to ignite the Gibson Park side who now have the unfortunate distinction of being runners-up four years in succession.

Malone must have fancied their chances at half-time after restricting Instonians to a 21st minute penalty by McCullough when facing a very stiff wind. But they failed to break a resolute defence and indiscretions allowed McCullough to stroke over penalties in the 57th and 69th minutes to earn Instonians victory.

Malone: G Fry; S Porter, M Crothers, A Mackey, S Carroll; N Patterson, C Shields; R Mackey, M Graham, L Stewart, D Barbour, J Gregg, P Hunter, M McBrien, N Best. Subs: S Benson for Graham (55 mins), S Duncan for Barbour (48 mins).

Instonians: A Spence; G Collins, B Burrows, M Young, P Chambers; G McCullough, K Hillman; C Schofield, P Shields, B Barrett, capt, B Cornelius, J Gardiner, M Smith (G Hampton, 68), R Wilson, K McKee. Sub: G Hampton for Smith (68 mins).

Referee - B Stirling (Ballyclare).