Ballymena progress to AIB Cup semis

Ballymena 20 Old Belvedere 19

Ballymena qualified for the AIB Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history, beating their Division 1B rivals Old Belvedere by a single point at Eaton Park this afternoon.

The Braidmen, who scored tries either side of half-time through Ulster Ravens starlet Jamie Smith and makeshift out-half David O’Hara, deservedly made it through to the last-four.

Old Belvedere launched a commendable late fightback, scoring two converted tries from number 8 Leo Auva’a, but Conal Keane’s injury-time conversion was the last kick of the game and Ballymena hung on.

John Andrews’ side lost 28-21 to Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road last month and they fell behind today when the Dubliners worked their right winger Marcus McAllister over for a 21st minute try.

Belvo’s lead lasted only two minutes, however, as the impressive O’Hara, more noted as a scrum half, took the ball on and made the initial break before the supporting Smith raced through for a well-taken try.

O’Hara added the conversion and kicked two penalties to give Ballymena a 13-5 half-time lead, with their forwards beginning to force the issue.

Andrews’ charges enjoyed their best spell in the third quarter and O’Hara sliced through Old Belvedere’s inconsistent defence to register his side’s second seven-pointer.

Both sides were much changed as the coaches tested their respective squad depth and Ballymena were guilty of falling asleep in the final five minutes as two pick and go efforts from the powerful Auva’a resulted in tries.

Full-back Keane converted the second of them, but time was up and Belvo were left to contemplate their second one-point defeat in the space of a week – Phil Werahiko’s men lost 13-12 to Galwegians in the AIB League last Saturday.

Scorers:

Ballymena: Tries: Jamie Smith, David O’Hara; Cons: David O’Hara 2; Pens: David O’Hara 2

Old Belvedere: Tries: Marcus McAllister, Leo Auva’a 2; Cons: Conal Keane 2