Ballymena return to winning ways

Ballymena 14 UL Bohemians 9

Ballymena got back to winning ways in AIB League Division One with their new Kiwi out-half Tommy Woods the match winner against UL Bohemians.

Woods landed two second-half penalties and a drop goal at Eaton Park - two of those kicks coming after Bohs had moved 9-8 ahead.

The conditions tested the players throughout the 80 minutes, during which a gusting wind blew straight down the pitch.

The rain pelted down, curtailing the running games of both sides and Bohs, who were marginally the more disciplined side, held a slender lead at the break.

The Limerick side turned around 6-5 ahead thanks to a brace of penalties from full-back Aidan McNulty.

Ballymena, who had won the toss and elected to play into the wind, worked winger Tommy Seymour into space for a try in the second quarter.

Turning around with the elements at their backs, the Braidmen dominated possession and territory during the early stages of the second half.

Woods and McNulty swapped penalties but the New Zealander, stepping in for Ian Humphreys, grew in confidence and stature as the game progressed.

He fired over a penalty and thumped a lovely drop goal through the posts to move Jacques Benade's men five points ahead.

Bohs rallied, getting back within range for a final assault at the home whitewash.

They had a ten-minute spell in and around the try-line but Ballymena, with Chris Henry, Ian Caldwell and Adam Cupples standing out, kept the visitors at bay to cling on for an encouraging win.

Afterwards, Ballymena hooker Andrew Ferguson stepped forward to collect the Arthur Ferguson Cup, which is named in his late father's honour and played for between the two clubs.

Scorers:

Ballymena: Try: Tommy Seymour; Pens: Tommy Woods 3

UL Bohemians: Pens: Aidan McNulty 3

HT: Ballymena 5 UL Bohemians 6