Braidmen bounce back with important win at Naas

The game was played in front of a large crowd with many of the Ballymena faithful making the three hour trip and they weren’t disappointed by their team’s display.

The first score of the game came on the 22nd minute when Naas second row, Darragh Keily dived over the line after a prolonged period of play on the Ballymena try line. The conversion was added by full back David Aherne, 7-0.

Ballymena fought hard to back into the game and with time running out in the first half the Braid men were awarded a penalty after the Naas flanker, Kearney was yellow carded for killing the ball in the ruck. Full back Timmy Small dispatched his kick between the uprights, 7-3.

Ballymena brought more intensity to the game in the second half and after 11 minutes Connor Smyth crossed the line after a great drive from the forwards. The next score was going to be vital and it was the Braid men who struck as man of the match David Whann crossed the line after another strong drive.

Timmy Small added the conversion to bring the score to 7-15. Naas retook the restart and set up a few drives of their own and when the ball was moved wide Gary Rowan found room in the corner to score. Full back David Aherne added the touchline conversion, 14-15. A few moments later Ballymena added to their score when the ball was fired back to David O’Hara in the pocket and he swung his right boot sending the ball spiralling between the uprights for a drop goal, 14-18. Ballymena host Bruff this Saturday as they look to close down City of Derry’s lead at the top of the AIL.

Ballymena: Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Bryan Young, David Whann, Connor Smyth, Mathew Rea, Michael Entwhistle, James Gallagher, Dave Shanahan, Glen Bailey, Darrell Montgomery, Jamie Smith, Martin Irwin, Jordon Foster, Timmy Small.