Ballymena wave goodbye to play-offs

Dungannon 18 Ballymena 13

Not even a last-gasp Jamie McGrugan try could help Ballymena from going down to Ulster rivals Dungannon tonight - as their slim hopes of an AIB league Division One play-off spot blew up in smoke.

Jeremy Davidson's 'Gannon side were too good for the visitors in the opening half at Stevenson Park.

Both Gary Leslie and Ryan Caldwell touched down as 'Gannon tallied up a 15-3 half-time lead, and ensured their top flight survival.

Ballymena's Owen Edwards kicked their only points from a 12th-minute place kick - but was soon outdone by Leslie's try.

Gareth Steenson converted and added a penalty before Ireland U21 flanker Caldwell slipped the cover to go over on 27 minutes.

Fly-half Edwards kicked a second in the closing quarter but not even two 'Gannon sin-binnings could help Ballymena from failing to their first defeat since January.

Centre Grugan's late effort garnered them a bonus point, but Ballymena are agonisingly six points behind fourth-placed Clontarf now and out of the title race.

Scorers: Dungannon: Tries: Ryan Caldwell, Gary Leslie; Con: Gareth Steenson; Pens: Steenson 2

Ballymena: Try: Jamie McGrugan; Con: Owen Edwards; Pens: Edwards 2.