THE Cork Constitution back division has an exciting look about it: young, aggressive and full of football.

But on Saturday at Temple Hill it was the older hands who played the ace cards to snuff out the Instonians challenge. And despite the one sided look about the scoreline, there was a challenge for much of the game.

Constitution always looked the better side but they made heavy weather of it and could only boast of a six point advantage - much too close for comfort - as the match entered the final quarter.

But then a great piece of invention from former international Kenny Murphy set young Ronan O'Gara up for a fry and one could sense Instonians had given up the ghost.

They certainly did when Brian Walsh darted through for two great fries in a five minute spell afterwards. The conversions and subsequent penalty from O'Gara gave Constitution a massive and much welcomed victory.

Two years ago they struggled against the same side. A repeat of that was on the cards for a long time despite penalties from O'Gara and David O'Brien.

It all seemed to hinge on who would score the first fry. That chance fell to Constitution and they grew in stature as the game wore on.

First day nerves were finally put on the back burner and for 20 minutes they finally looked like a side capable of troubling some of the more fancied clubs in this league.