Fifths are well placed ahead of away trips

Indeed it was the home side that started the stronger, driving their way into the opposing half. Both forwards and backs were combining to break the gain line and secure possession in the loose.

Several phases of play later and Bann had created the space to allow Nathan Martin to run in unopposed for the opening try which Stephen Jackson duly converted.

From the re-start Ballyshannon secured possession and made good ground through their forwards before releasing their backs to take on their opposite numbers. However, the now confident partnership of Chris Nelmes and Jerry Ramsey at centre quickly snuffed out any threat and re-secured possession.

In the next 15 minutes there was little between the teams until a knock-on by Ballyshannon gave the Bann forwards a scrum five metres out.

A rehearsed move through No 8, scrum-half and wing put Matthew Quinn clear to score in the corner.

Less than 10 minutes later he repeated the feat when he caught a Nelmes up-and-under and sprinted clear of the covering defence. Again Jackson converted. Bann lost their influential full back when Moorhead badly twisted his knee late in the first half.

With Ballyshannon struggling for possession it took an inspired chip and case by the Ballyshannon outhalf to give them what proved to be their only score of the game.

Bann continued the second half as they had in the first by securing possession and keeping the ball for long periods of the game.

With Brenchley and Cairns working hard in the loose, Bann won a penalty which Jackson kicked to the corner. An accurate throw from Ryan Ringland found Marc Eadie and the Bann forwards drove to within five metres of the try line. With the maul grinding to a halt Richard McElroy broke off the back and drove his way over to score in the corner.

Nelmes was next to get in on the scoring, going in from a pass by Jackson. It was Jackson himself that finished the scoring by taking a pass from Bird in his own half and outpacing the cover to swan-dive under the posts.

This decisive win leaves Bann well-placed as they prepare for the up-coming series of away matches.