Ballymena advance past Young Munster

Ballymena 20 Young Munster 9

Ulster Under-20 winger Roger McBurney displayed his finishing skills as he grabbed two tries in Ballymena’s AIB Cup third round victory over Young Munster at Eaton Park.

With both sides riding high in AIB League Division 1B, there was little to choose between them in an even enough opening half.

Young Munster’s Matthew Costelloe kicked penalty goals after 9, 20 and 28 minutes, but Ballymena bounced back to take a 10-9 half-time lead with McBurney’s 23rd-minute try converted by scrum half David O’Hara.

The third quarter was closely fought but again the Braidmen managed to get the all important score when McBurney showed a clean pair of heels to the cover to complete a fine back-line move with a 61st minute try.

Munster had the better of things in open play but Mike Prendergast’s men could not get past a disciplined home defence, and O’Hara completed his 10-point kicking haul with a final penalty, 10 minutes from time.

It was an important win for John Andrews’ charges, coming off the back of last weekend’s league loss to Old Belvedere.

Ballymena will entertain ‘Belvo in an AIB Cup quarter-final clash on November 21, while next Saturday will see them return to Division 1B fare with a trip to Munsters’ Tom Clifford Park.

Scorers:

Ballymena: Tries: Roger McBurney 2; Cons: David O’Hara 2; Pens: David O’Hara 2

Young Munster: Pens: Matthew Costelloe 3