Ballymena were edged out in a thrilling encounter away to Galway Corinthians, narrowly losing 31–29 after leading for much of the match in what was an encouraging all-round performance from the Braidmen.
The visitors started brightly and dominated the opening exchanges. Slick handling saw the ball moved wide to Michael McLean, who finished well in the corner for the opening try, though unfortunately pulling a hamstring as he crossed the line. Callum Davidson added the conversion to make it 7–0.
Ballymena extended their lead midway through the half when Ben Neely showed great handling skills to gather a deft chip through from Patterson, dotting down under the posts. Davidson was again on target, stretching the lead to 14–0.
Despite controlling territory and possession for most of the first period, Ballymena conceded a try just before the interval after a rare lapse in defence, allowing Corinthians to break from outside the 22 and score. That made it 14–7 at half-time.
Corinthians started the second half strongly and levelled the scores with a well-worked try through the middle, but Ballymena hit back swiftly. Paddy Browne made a great read to intercept a Corinthians pass around 40 metres out and showed great pace to score in the corner, restoring the lead to 5 points.
The home side responded with a powerful maul try from a 10-metre lineout to edge in front for the first time, 21–19, but Ballymena hit back swiftly. A superb kick to the corner from Patterson set up a lineoutin tge home side’s 22, and Browne again was on hand to finish from the resulting maul. Davidson converted to put Ballymena back ahead at 26–21.
Corinthians attack was a constant danger and scored again, spreading the ball wide to score in the corner and level at 26 apiece. Another Davidson penalty nudged Ballymena ahead once more, 29–26, with ten minutes remaining.
However, in a dramatic finish, the referee awarded a controversial free-kick against Ballymena at their own lineout, giving Corinthians a final attacking platform. The hosts capitalised on the opportunity and after several close-range drives, scored the decisive try, snatching victory 31–29.
Despite the narrow defeat, Ballymena can take plenty of positives from a strong away display. The scrum was dominant throughout, earning multiple penalties, while the backline is growing in confidence with each game.
A frustrating result, but a performance full of promise as the squad continues to build momentum.
Team vs Corinthians:
1. Andy Warwick
2. Callum Mustoe
3. Angus Graham
4. Paddy Browne
5. Jonny Browne
6. Adam Lamont
7. James McClean
8. Josh Dobbin
9. Callum Davidson
10. Callum Patterson
11. Michael McLean
12. Daniel Vercoe Rogers
13. Dean Millar
14. Ben Neely
15. Tristan Ferguson
16. Matthew Wright
17. Justin Mark
18. Josh Mark
19. Lee Montgomery
20. Angus Robson
