Braidmen surge to top of Ulster Senior League

Ballymena stormed to the top of the Ulster Senior League after a bonus point 31-13 win from their rearranged game at Armagh.
Ballymena Rugby Club.Ballymena Rugby Club.
Ballymena Rugby Club.

With a referee firmly in place this time, it took the Braidmen only 15 minutes to get on the score board when the much smaller pack pushed their way over the line for Willie McKay to score. Full back Timmy Small added the conversion, 0-7

Armagh were gifted points right after the restart when Ballymena gave away a kickable penalty bringing the score to 3-7 and Ballymena then had a double blow losing prop Chris Cundell and centre Mike McKeever to injury in quick succession.

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After a few chances Ballymena quickly settled and on 35 minutes extended their lad when Darrell Montgomery crossed the line after a well worked team move. Timmy Small missed the touch line conversion.

The bigger home side replied a minute later with an unconverted try to leave the half time score 8-12.

After just 5 minutes of the second half flanker Michael Entwhistle barged his way over the line for the visiting team. The conversion was missed, 8-17.

Armagh cut that deficit with an unconverted try to bring the score back to 13-17.

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In the final 20 minutes Ballymena backs upped their game and a great move released Michael Johnston to race unchallenged over the line to secure the bonus point. Timmy Small added the conversion, 13-24.

On the stroke of full time Michael Johnston was again released down the wing and some tired defending saw him bag his second try. Timmy Small added the conversion to bring the score to 13-31.

Ballymena: Bryan Young, John Andrew, Chris Cundell, Mark Foster, Mathew Rea, Willie Mckay, Michael Entwhistle, Adrian Hamilton, Dave Shanahan, Martin Irwin, Darrell Montgomery, Mike McKeever, Ricky Andrew, Michael Johnston, Timmy Small. Subs- James Taggart, James Carmichael, James Gallagher, Alan Smyth, David O’Hara.

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