High-flying Ballymena lifted themselves one point shy of the top of the Division One table with the slenderest of victories in the big Ulster derby at Stevenson Park.

GALWEGIANS proved there is life without their key men when they surged to the top of the AIB League with a convincing win over Belfast Harlequins in Deramore on Saturday.

Fullback Mark McHugh scored all 19 points as St Mary's steam-rolled Carlow in a disappointing clash at Templeville Road.

Carlow continued their rise through the ranks of Irish rugby with this hard-earned away win against Terenure at Lakelands Park.