Small kicks Braidmen to crucial win over students

Ballymena's Adrian Hamilton tries to avoid a tackle from Queen's Johnny Craig. Picture: Press Eye.

The last time these two sides met in August, Ballymena won 46-42 but as the game got underway at Queen’s new pitch, it was clear that conditions didn’t suit a fast flowing game.

On seven minutes Ballymena were given the first chance of points when queens gave away a penalty after foul play in a ruck. Full-back Timmy Small stepped up and the in-form kicker split the posts to register the first three points for the Braidmen.

From the restart Queens overturned the Braid men and recycled the ball well until Ballymena gave away a penalty in front of the posts. Out-half Ricky McMaster levelled the score with his kick.

With a quarter of the game gone Ballymena were awarded another penalty from the hard work of the forwards. Timmy Small dispatched the ball between the posts, 3-6.

Ballymena were awarded another penalty when Queens were penalised for not releasing in the tackle. The reliable boot of Small added the three points, 3-9.

As time was running out the Braid men extended their lead when they were awarded another penalty in front of the posts that Small slotted over to leave the half-time score 3-12.

The start of the second half saw a resurgent student side start strongly and they reduced the deficit with a penalty and three minutes later McMaster kicked another penalty to make the score 9-12.

Against the run of play Queens capitalised on a mistake from Ballymena giving Ricky McMaster a chance at the posts. The Queen’s Outhalf levelled the scores at 12-12.

With time running out, Ballymena retook the lead with another superb kick from Small to bring the score to 9-12.

In the dying seconds Queens were given the chance to level the score but the students’ out half missed to the right of the post. This week Ballymena take on old Wesley at home in round four of the AIL.

Ballymena: Bryan Young, John Andrew, Chris Cundell, David Whann, Connor Smith, Mathew Rea, Michael Entwhistle, Adrian Hamilton, Dave Shanahan, Glen Bailey, Mathew Johnston, Jamie Smith, Ricky Andrews, Jordon Foster, Tim Small. Subs: James Taggart, Adrian Kirkpatrick, Willie McKay, Mike McKeever, David O’Hara.