Braidmen suffer surprise defeat against Banbridge

Top of the table Ballymena went into this game as favourites but Banbridge had other ideas.

From the kick off it was apparent that the home side were lacking the same intensity, determination and flair that had seen them storm to the top of the table coming into this game.

Banbridge scored two first half tries through Taylor and Allen but the scrum-half failed to add the conversion on both occasions.

Ballymena took a marginal half time lead as poor discipline from Banbridge allowed Timmy Small to kick four penalties to lead 12-10 after 40 minutes.

Ballymena added to their total just after half time from the boot of full back Small to make the score 15-10.

This half wasn’t much better for the home side who had two players yellow carded and it was from this that Banbridge got their game winning try when Taylor crossed the line for his second.

With the scores tied the Banbridge scrum half split the posts with his conversion to take the lead 15-17.

Banbridge held on for the final 10 minutes to claim their first win in this seasons AIL.

Ballymena: Bryan Young, John Andrews, Adrian Kirkpatrick, Connor Smyth, Mathew Rea, Michael Entwhistle, Adrian Hamilton, Dave Shanahan, Glen Bailey, Darrell Montgomery, Michael McKeever, Jamie Smith, Jordan Foster, Timmy Small. Subs: James Taggart, James Carmichael, Willie McKay, Martin Irwin, Dave O’Hara.

Ballymena will hope to get their promotion push back on track this Saturday when they travel to COunty Kildare to take on Naas.

There will be a supporters’ bus leaving Eaton Park at 8.45. To book your place please contact Cormac on 02825656746.