21.9 – Quins (H)
The 4s kicked off the 24/25 season with a visit from Quins 3s. In what was an open game, Ballymena struck first, a solid scrum platform saw the ball released to the backs, a cross field kick from Drysdale was met by Stefan McMaster 7-0. Failure to secure the restart and some non existent tackling in midfield saw Quins strike back immediately 7-5. This seemed to spur on the home team who worked the ball into Quins 22, some free flowing play from both backs and forwards saw Ben McKane nearly score in the corner, the attempted off load was knocked on by Quins. From the resulting scrum the ever youthful Mikey Smith cut a great line to go under the posts 14-5.
The 9 point advantage was short lived as again direct running from Quins and some loose tackling let the visitors back into the game 14-12. With 15mins left in the half Ballymena struck again, a surging run from Paul Smyth followed by some great off loading allowed Chrissy Rea to charge over from a good 2m out. 21-12. The 4s lack of match fitness started to show in the last few mins of the half and Quins got in under the posts to end the half 21-19 to Ballymena.
The 2nd half started promisingly for Ballymena with Wagons regaining a kick off. Ballymena had several chances to score but forcing the last pass was to be their downfall allowing Quins to clear their lines.
A loose clearance kick from Quins was fielded by Mikey Smith who gleefully kicked his 3rd 50:22 of the match. From the resulting lineout a loose ball was picked up by Drysdale who beat 4 men before offloading to josh Bill who shrugged off the fullback to score. 28-19.
Ballymena’s dominance continued and after a line break from Sam Henry the ball was recycled for 6 phases before Paul smith charged over from the 22m, 35-19.
The final score of the game came from Quins another loose clearance kick from Quins lead to a length of the field try after a dodgy bounce eluded the Ballymena backs. 35-26.
Scorers: TRYS – S.MCMASTER, M SMITH, C.REA, P.SMYTH, J.BILL CON: R. DRYSDALE (5) PENALTIES: J BILL (10 CONCEEDED)
MOTM: D. O’HARA (SELECTED BY P. CRABBE)
