Strydom shines for Ballymena

Ballymena 21 Clontarf 15

Ballymena's overseas signing Dirkie Strydom was the star of the show as he kicked six penalties to jettison his side to the top of the AIB League.

Clontarf started the game at breakneck speed and were 12-0 up after 16 minutes with tries by hooker Bernard Jackman and centre James Downey.

Three first half penalties by Strydom reduced the gap to 9-12 at the break.

Strydom continued to dazzle in the second half when he leveled the scores and then put his side ahead with two more excellent kicks.

Centre Darragh O'Shea claimed a penalty for Clontarf but sublime Ian Humphreys drop-kick and another Strydom penalty handed a well-deserved victory to Ballymena.