Match Report: Navan 22 – 21 Ballymena
Ballymena fell to a narrow 22-21 defeat against Navan in a thrilling encounter, ultimately paying the price for a sluggish start.
Navan got off to the perfect start, scoring within minutes of kickoff. A well-executed move off a lineout saw their centre exploit a gap in midfield to round the defence and touch down, putting the home side 5-0 ahead.
Ballymena struggled to find their footing, and Navan capitalized on their dominance, adding a second try through a series of pick-and-goes from a 5m lineout. The conversion extended Navan’s lead to 12-0.
The first half continued to go Navan’s way, as another trip into Ballymena’s 22 exposed the visitors’ defensive vulnerabilities. A third try left Ballymena trailing 19-0, prompting captain Adam Lamont to rally his side with a stern talking-to under the posts.
Lamont took matters into his own hands, scoring Ballymena’s first try with a determined effort, releasing the ball after being tackled and regathering to dive over. Patterson’s conversion narrowed the gap to 19-7 at halftime.
Ballymena came out firing in the second half. Josh Dobbin crashed over from close range early on, with Patterson’s conversion bringing them to within five points at 19-14.
Ballymena began to dominate possession and territory, and after a prolonged spell of pressure near the Navan try line, James McClean set up Tristan Ferguson for a well-worked try in the corner. Patterson’s pinpoint conversion gave Ballymena their first lead of the match at 21-19.
Navan, however, responded with a controversial late penalty. The referee initially called for a maul but reversed his decision to penalise Ballymena for being on the wrong side after calling it a tackle. The successful kick edged Navan back in front at 22-21 with just minutes to go.
Ballymena threw everything into a final attack, desperately seeking a winning score. As the clock wound down, Patterson stepped into the pocket for a drop goal attempt, but his effort sailed narrowly wide, sealing Navan’s victory.
This loss leaves Ballymena in 9th place, perilously close to the playoff position. They’ll hope to welcome back key players in the new year as they aim to climb the table and avoid a relegation battle.
Team:
Mark, Mustoe, Mawhinney, Milford, J. Browne, Glass, McClean, Lamont, Robson, Patterson, McLean, S. Millar, Vercoe-Rogers, Neilly, Ferguson.
Subs: Oliver, Butler, Dobbin, Weerarathne, O. Smith
