Academy edge low-scoring encounter against Coleraine

Mr David Warwick, of Warwick Engineering, presents a sponsorship cheque for senior rugby at Ballymena Academy to Mr Alistair McKay. Also included are players Dean Reynolds and Craig Hanna.

Coleraine Inst travelled to Ballymena Academy in buoyant mood following some excellent recent reults.

The home team, too, have started the season well and enjoyed a 55-12 midweek victory over the touring Australian side Daramalan College.

Jonathan McKeown scored a hat-trick of tries in a man-of-the-match performance with Marcus Rea continuing his great form with the boot landing 7 out of 8 conversion attempts.

The conditions at the Galgorm Road venue were perfect and so it was somewhat surprising that neither side seemed to be able to settle into any significant period of attacking pressure.

Most of the game was contested in the middle third of the field and the few line breaks that were made often resulted in the attacking player becoming isolated.

Ballymena’s points came from the trusty boot of Marcus Rea, who confidently slotted two penalty attempts.

As the second half progressed, Coleraine looked more likely to score the first try of the morning.

Following an extended period deep in the Ballymena 22, the Coleraine pack generated several phases of quick ball to force their way over in the corner.

The touchline conversion attempt was unsuccessful and the final whistle sounded with the score 6-5 to Ballymena Academy.

Ballymena Academy: Reynolds, McKee, Rosborough, Alexander, Kosch, Rea, Hanna; Gillan, McNabney, White, Joe Thompson, Maguire, McKeown, Josh Thompson, McIlroy Rep. Millar, Bill.