Ballymena get back on track

Clontarf 6 Ballymena 12

In a repeat of last season’s AIB final, Ballymena got their campaign back with this win at Clontarf, ending the North Dubliners’ 14-match unbeaten home record.

Namibian back Dirkie Strydom proved the difference in a tight game, as his four penalty kicks edged out the Braid men’s fifth win of the season.

Ballymena warmed themselves by putting 130 points over Portadown and Queen’s in the Ulster League over Christmas, having succumbed 9-6 to a lowly Mary’s side at Eaton Park in their last AIB fixture.

There was no quarter given or taken by either side for much of this lively encounter, as you would expect from a home side with such a proud record at Castle Avenue and Tony D’Arcy’s reigning champions, without a defeat on their travels this season.

Two well-struck efforts from Strydom soon put Ballymena in front on 8 and 17 minutes, with Clontarf full back Daragh O’Shea replying before the half hour. A left-sided effort from 30 metres from Strydom confirmed the Ulster side’s half time lead at 9-3.

With scrum half Peter Spence celebrating his 29th birthday this afternoon with an impressive display, further indiscretion from the Clontarf pack saw Munster referee Olan Trevor award Strydom two further chances in the second half and he gleefully took them, moving his season’s tally to 42 points..