Seconds into last eight of Junior Cup

Ballymena started strongly scoring first through a well worked series of phases that stretched Dungannon from one touch line to another. Alistair McCosh was on hand to score in the corner and converted by Ross Connor.

Dungannon then applied sustained pressure on Ballymena’s ‘22’ and were rewarded through ruck indiscpline to convert a penalty. Another penalty was awarde to Ballymena and Ross Conor converted for Ballymena.

Ballymena though soon regained momentum and agfter a good set piece platform from scrum, which was based around the comeback of Adrian Kirkpatrick from injury, the forwards carried a good phase in the wide cannels and freed up Alistair McCosh again to score to bring the score to 15-3 in favour of Ballymena.

Dungannon came straight back and with ball in hand always looked dangerous. Again following sustained pressure in the Ballymena 22 the presuure told and through another 2 penalties brought the score to 15-9.

Ballymena though kicked well in to pitch positions and from one such lineout deep in the Dungannon 22, after a decent drive, and ‘pick and gos’, Gareth Fisher was on hand to dot down from short range.

In the second half Ballymena started the stronger and soon raced into a 32-9 lead.

Chris Allen made a superb break to then off load to his support, and after the ball was spun to the wide channel Alaistair McCosh was on hand to score his third of the afternoon.

Dungannon had the last say though and scored late on to leave the final score 37-16 in favour of the Braidmen

Coach Garth Shaw said: “Team selection wise were were stronger than in previous weeks and were able to have a decent set piece platform.

“Adrian Kirkpatrick did superb at scrum time for someone who hasn’t played rugby in nearly a year, Chris Smith was making good decisions at lineout and with Andy Graham back playing for 40 minutes he provided some strong leadership.

“It is the first time in a number of years that we are in the Quarter Finals of the Junior Cup and as we are putting a strong focus on this competition this year we are eagerly awaiting the next round draw,” added Gareth.