Ballymena keep Dungannon scoreless

Ballymena 15 Dungannon 0, Eaton Park

HT: Ballymena 12 Dungannon 0

A nervous Ballymena side kept up their play-off hopes thanks to five penalties from Namibian right wing Dirkie Strydom as the reigning champions defeated neighbours Dungannon 15-0 at Eaton Park.

In what was a poor spectacle dominated by the two packs, the enormity of the game got to the Braid men in the early stages as Dungannon second row Tim Barker nearly dipped under the tackles for the first try after 12 minutes.

Strydom, who kicked three penalties in Ballymena’s recent 14-11 win over Lansdowne, took four of the five kicking opportunities afforded to him in the first half as his efforts on 14, 23, 28 and 36 minutes handed the home side a 12-0 interval lead.

Dungannon should have forced a try in the early stages of the second half but their missed chances were rued as Strydom kicked his fifth penalty on 76 minutes, putting them more than two converted scores behind.

Jeremy Davidson’s side are now just three points off the bottom with the unenviable task of entertaining high flying Buccaneers in their final game.

Ballymena meanwhile have a play-off showdown to play against Harlequins at Deramore Park, who currently reside three points ahead of Tony D’Arcy’s outfit in fifth.

Scorers: Ballymena: Pens: Dirkie Strydom 5

Dungannon: -