Thirds enjoy victory away to Ballyclare

With both teams desperate for points this encounter was going to be tight. From the kick off Ballymena attacked the Ballyclare line with strong running from the forwards, they were rewarded with a penalty.

Ballymena opted for a scrum and from this they were able to spread the ball wide for full back Robbie Magreer to score. John Nichol added the conversion, 0-7.

Ballymena went on the attack again but some great defence and strong rucking from the home side saw them turnover the ball and launch a well worked move that saw their centre cross the line. Ballyclare’s outhalf added the conversion, 7-7

From the restart Ballyclare’s confidence was high and they were putting Ballymena’s defensive line under some serious pressure but Ballymena stood strong. After 7 minutes of intense pressure in the Ballymena 22, Ballyclare were awarded a penalty that was quickly taken to send their wing forward under the posts. The conversion was added, 14-7.

The restart saw the game enter into a scrappy 10 minute period with both teams making mistakes. A series of errors from Ballyclare resulted in them being pushed back deep into their own half. Ballymena took advantage of this when Davy Gaston was drove over the line with help from his forwards. John Nichol kicked the conversion, 14-14

Ballymena gave away a penalty from the restart and this time Ballyclare opted for a kick at the posts which their outhalf scored, 17-14.

With half time approaching Ballymena threw everything at Ballyclare and with minute left on the clock John Nichol found a gap in the defence that allowed him to score in the corner. Nichol missed the conversion. Half time 17-19

The second half started well for Ballymena, they soon found themselves in front of Ballyclare’s try line. however, the home sides defence stood strong. Ballyclare finally got the turnover and cleared their lines.

The game had now got scrappy. For the majority of this half the game was played in midfield. A mistake in front of Ballymena’s posts allowed the Ballyclare outhalf to slot the ball between the posts, 20-19.

Ballymena rallied and again found themselves putting pressure on the Ballyclare line. A well worked move ended with Robbie Magreer going over for his second try. John Nichol added the extra 2 points, 20-26.

With time running out Ballyclare were pushing forward looking for a winning score. Ballymena defended well and were finally able to get there hands on the ball after a counter ruck and kicked the ball dead to win the game. Final score 20-26

Team Craig McCartney; Terry Hutchinson; George Hargy; Tim Montgomery; Richard Montgomery; Davy Gaston; Keith Lamont; Adams; Jamie Cunningham; Rory Drysdale; John Nichol; Rory Smyth; Paul Campbell; Ryan Gillespie and Robbie Magreer.