Welcome to Ballymena RFC @ Eaton Park – Est 1887

Energia AIL action returns to Eaton Park this weekend with our 1st XV taking on 2nd placed MU Barnhall at 14:30. 

The Braidmen secured their 3rd bonus point victory in a row on the road last weekend away to Dolphin RFC with a superb win.

MU Barnhall lost their unbeaten run last weekend in a tight table-topping affair with QUB coming out on the wrong side of a 24-16 result.

John Nicholl makes 4 changes to the starting lineup with 3 changes in the pack and 1 in the backs.

In the pack,  James McCormick’s returns from injury and will be looking to add to his tally of 5 tries for the season. He joins Joseph Mawhinney and Chris Cundell in the front row. Philip Campbell is ruled out with injury seeing David Whann returning to partner Jonny Browne in the 2nd row. The youthful back-row trio of Paddy Browne, James McNabney and Man Of the Match from last week, Adam Lamont will look to continue their impressive debut season in senior rugby. 

Just the one change in the backline with Mark Thompson returning. He takes the 13 jersey with Pierce Crowe moving to 12. The experience of Glen Baillie & Tim Small in the halfbacks will be key in directing affairs tomorrow with Matthew Corr, Rhys Irvine and Rodger McBurney all looking to add to their try tallies for the season.

Simon McWhirter and Stuart Donald will cover the front row from the bench. James Howe made a superb return to action last weekend after a period on the sidelines and will look to make a big impact from the bench. Curtis Henry is elevated from the 2nd XV after back to back hat-tricks and will hope to be given an opportunity from the bench alongside Ian Vance.

Get out to support the boys at 14:30 or why not come watch Ireland v Japan from the clubhouse before at 13:00 followed by the 1st XV at 14:30.

Be sure to follow @BallymenaRFC on Twitter for live match updates. 

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