Ballymena U18s put their recent league playoff final disappointment behind them as they embarked on their cup run against Monaghan at Eaton Park last saturday.
Their 29-7 victory was hard fought on heavy pitch conditions which saw both teams toil hard in defence and try to make the best of slippery handling conditions.
The home side went ahead through Timmy McNabney, touching down following a training ground penalty move. Despite spirited attack from Monaghan the home team pressed their advantage, captain James Lynne crossing the line following some strong forward carries.
Monaghan continued to test the Ballymena defence – kicking long and looking for errors but Ballymena were equal to this and gradually pressed up the field and won a penalty close to the opposition line, James Orr scoring and converting the try.
Ben Millar added to the tally from close range following a series of forays towards the Monaghan line from the Ballymena pack and captain James Lynn scored his second on the stroke of half time to make the score 29-0.
The second half was dominated in territory and possession by the visitors who will count themselves unlucky to have just scored one try despite this dominance. Attack after attack was repelled by the Braidmen who stoutly defended their try line under considerable Monaghan pressure to hold out for a well earned win.
