Buccs get off the mark with win against Ballymena

Ballymena 15 Buccaneers 18

Battling Buccaneers broke their duck in AIB League Division 1B with a deserved victory over Ballymena in the wind and rain at Eaton Park.

The Pirates were 13-8 to the good at half-time, following a converted try from Martin Staunton and two penalties from Adam Kennedy.

Top-scoring out-half Rory Drysdale opened the scoring for Ballymena with a penalty after 16 minutes, before a bout of forward pressure from Buccs led to loosehead prop Staunton burrowing his way over, with scrum half Kennedy adding the extras.

In worsening conditions, Kennedy kicked his penalties after 30 and 35 minutes, stretching the visitors into a 13-3 lead, but Ballymena skipper Sam McKinney hit back with a try just before the break.

Ballymena had the wind at their backs in the second half and managed to move ahead courtesy of a penalty try and a Drysdale penalty.

However, Buccs had the stronger finish and a 65th minute try from winger John O'Brien ensured a happy journey back to the midlands.

Scorers:

Ballymena: Tries: Sam McKinney, penalty try; Con: Rory Drysdale; Pen: Rory Drysdale

Buccaneers: Tries: Martin Staunton, John O’Brien; Con: Adam Kennedy; Pens: Adam Kennedy 2

HT: Ballymena 8 Buccaneers 13