Ballymena suffer first defeat of AIL campaign against Wanderers
Disappointment for League leaders at Eaton Park
BALLYMENA suffered their first defeat of the All-Ireland League campaign on Saturday, going down 24–17 to Wanderers at Eaton Park.
Having won their opening four fixtures, Ballymena went into the fifth round sitting top of the table, but were unable to maintain their unbeaten start against a dangerous Wanderers side.
The game was evenly contested for large periods, with little separating the sides, but Wanderers made the most of key moments and individual moments of brilliance, particularly from right winger Sean Sexton, to take control of the contest.
Ballymena opened the scoring after 17 minutes when a powerful driving maul made its way over the line, with Clarke touching down to give the home side a 5–0 lead.
Wanderers responded on 29 minutes, collecting a well-judged chip through to release their number eight, who crossed under the posts to put the visitors ahead at 7–5.
The visitors extended their advantage just before half-time. A counter-attack through the middle created the opportunity to kick out wide, where Sexton did well to gather and finish, leaving Ballymena trailing 12–5 at the break.
Wanderers struck again shortly after the restart when Sexton intercepted a Ballymena pass around the 10-metre line and raced clear to score unopposed, extending the lead to 19–5.
Ballymena continued to battle and were rewarded on 64 minutes when another strong driving maul resulted in Clarke crossing for his second try of the afternoon. McMillan added the conversion to bring the deficit back to just two points at 19–17, setting up an exciting finish.
However, Wanderers had the final say. On 71 minutes, Sexton gathered his own kick through to complete the scoring and restore a seven-point advantage.
Despite a determined effort from Ballymena, Wanderers held on to secure a 24–17 victory and bring the home side's winning run to an end.
The result sees Ballymena drop to second place after five rounds of the AIL campaign, with attention now turning to next Saturday's local derby away to Dungannon as they look to get back to winning ways.
Team: Mark, Clark, Graham, Milford, McCluskey, Browne, Lamont, Rea, Davidson, Patterson, Millar, Florence, Moxham, Neely, McMillan. Subs: Wright, Warwick, McNabney, McCartney, Robson.