5/3/22
Ballymena 26 – 47 Dolphin
Ballymena suffered their second home defeat in a row against a powerful Dolphin side.
Dolphin raced into an early 14-0 lead through tries from well organised mauls eventually overpowering Ballymena’s defemce.
Matthew Corr responded with his second try in as many games, powering over after an Adam Lamont assist from the lineout. Ross McKay converted, bringing the defecit back to 7 points.
Dolphin had secured their 4 try bonus point before half time, again using their maul to good effect to add two further scores.
Ross McKay then smartly intercepted a loose pass from a Dolphin attack to race in for a try and added a conversation taking the half time score to 26-14.
The visitors continued to dominate the physical collisions at the start of the second half and scored their 5th try from close range to give a commanding 33-14 lead.
Ballymena started to hold onto the ball and looked dangerous when in possession. Pierce Crowe was instrumental in laying on tries for Eoin Ritson, making his first start at full back, and Rhys Ervine. Some fine vision and handling took the home side to within 7 points at 33-26.
Unfortunately this proved to be as close as Ballymena would get and Dolphin secured their win with two late tries sending them back to Cork with a convincing 47-26 win.
Elsewhere, results were favourable and John Nicholl’s side remain in 4th place going into the final 3 games of the season.
