Ballymena get first win of the season

Ballymena 24 Blackrock College 19

Ballymena are finally toasting their first win of the AIB League Division One season tonight after seeing off Blackrock College 24-19 at Eaton Park.

First half tries from full back Dirkie Strydom and fly-half Andrew Spence helped the Braidmen end their four-game losing streak, and in the process, move up off the bottom and up to fourteenth in the standings.

Strydom, with 22 points in the four previous games, tagged on a conversion and a penalty to the two home tries for a 15-9 half-time lead.

‘Rock’s points came from the boot of fly-half Paddy O’Toole – two penalties and a drop goal – and the Dubliners won the second half for a deserved bonus point.

Young winger Fionn Carr scorched over for ‘Rock’s only try in the second 40, which was converted by substitute Peter Beirne. But three further penalties from Strydom saw Ballymena secure the points.