Cambridge try helps Carrick move seven points clear in Conference

The victory means they have now beaten all of the AIL 2nd XV teams in Section 2 of the Conference League - although this includes a walk-over against Queen’s who were unable to field team back in September.

The match against Ballymena was a hard-fought affair with defences on top for much of the game. Indeed, going into the final quarter the game had a 0-0 draw written all over it.

But a well-struck penalty from Luke Whittall put Carrick ahead and a moment of brilliance by scrum-half Conor Cambridge 10 minutes later produced the only try of the game.

Ballymena battled hard in the closing stages but could not break down a solid Carrick defence.

Cambridge had a good all-round game at scrum-half, as did centre Ryan Bailey while Peter Simpson on the right wing did a very good job in chasing kicks. Back-rowers Ryan McGonigle and Andy McKeen were again prominent both as ball carriers and in defence.

This weekend Carrick host Donaghadee in Qualifying 2.