Ballymena slump to defeat

Garryowen 32 Ballymena 23

2003 champions Ballymena slumped to their fourth defeat of the season as Garryowen ran in three second half tries in a 32-23 AIB League Division One win at Dooradoyle.

Ballymena coach Steph Nel, who took over in October, was left cursing two charge down tries as both Dirkie Strydom and Peter Bedina had their clearance kicks blocked in a patchy display.

Former leaders Garryowen, who move up to third on the footing of their fourth win, led 10-9 at half-time through an Eoin Nihill try, and conversion and penalty from scrum-half Gerry Hurley.

Hurley edged the kicking duel with Namibian Strydom, despite his three first half kicks.

Touch downs from Paul Neville, Brendan O'Brien and Munster squad member Paul Devlin - both profiting from the charge downs - saw Paul Cunningham's men win out.

The Braidmen made a late charge for a bonus point with scores from Ulster centre Shane Stewart and Bedina but they were denied, and stay fourth-from-bottom.

Scorers: Garryowen: Tries: Eoin Nihill, Paul Neville, Brendan O’Brien, Paul Devlin; Cons: Gerry Hurley 3; Pens: Hurley 2

Ballymena: Tries: Shane Stewart, Peter Bedina; Cons: Dirkie Strydom 2; Pens: Strydom 3