Second-half comeback secures win for Lansdowne

Lansdowne 20 Ballymena 13

Lansdowne battled back from a half-time deficit to end a run of four home defeats to Ballymena in the AIB League today.

Second half tries from prop John Lyne and Kiwi out-half Mana Ashford helped the Headquarters side elevate themselves to fifth in the table.

They went 10-0 ahead thanks to Greg Stafford’s 17th-minute try and five points from the boot of Robbie Dolan. But Ballymena, who dominated the second quarter, bounced back with prop Pat Steenkamp and centre Peter Budina registering tries.

The second half was a scrappy affair but Lyne’s 44th-minute score from a rolling maul was telling.

Scorers

Lansdowne: Tries: Greg Stafford, John Lyne, Mana Ashford; Con: Robbie Dolan; Pen: Dolan

Ballymena: Tries: Peter Budina, Pat Steenkamp; Pen: Dirkie Strydom