Ballymena pushed league leaders MU Barnhall all the way at Eaton Park but ultimately had to settle for a losing bonus point as the visitors maintained their perfect start to the Division 2A campaign.
Barnhall arrived in Ballymena with an imposing record of 11 wins from 11, while the home side were looking to build on three consecutive victories to open 2026. From the opening whistle, Ballymena showed they were more than capable of matching the table toppers.
The hosts made a bright start and struck first inside seven minutes. Angus Robson fielded a deep kick around the Ballymena 22 and the ball was moved swiftly through a number of hands before the attack was halted just short of the line. Quick recycling allowed Patterson to pounce and dive over for the opening score, converted by Davidson to give Ballymena a 7–0 lead.
Barnhall responded with sustained pressure and brought the scores level on 17 minutes when their No.7, Olaosebikan, picked through the middle of a ruck on the 22 to score. The conversion made it 7–7.
The visitors then edged ahead shortly before the break. A powerful close-range maul resulted in hooker Oisin O’Neill crossing the whitewash, after Barnhall enjoyed a spell of sustained possession.
Ballymena, however, defended with real grit and discipline to limit Barnhall’s chances, and the sides went in at half-time with Barnhall leading 12–7.
Ballymena began the second half with renewed intent, and on 48 minutes the pack delivered a huge scrum. The dominant shove won a penalty deep in the visitors 22 and from the resulting lineout, James McClean forced his way over to level the scores at 12–12.
Barnhall continued to probe relentlessly, but Ballymena matched them with some outstanding defensive work. Eventually, the pressure told as the ball was worked wide to winger Edogun, who finished well in the corner. A superb conversion from the touchline extended Barnhall’s lead to 19–12.
The final 20 minutes were a testament to Ballymena’s defensive resolve. Barnhall threw wave after wave of attack at the home line, but Ballymena held firm, repeatedly repelling the leaders to deny them any further scores.
Although the hosts were unable to add to their tally, the full-time whistle confirmed a valuable losing bonus point.
Ballymena will take plenty of positives from the performance as they look to build on a strong start to 2026 and carry this momentum into the final third of the season.
Ballymena vs Barnhall
1. Andy Warwick
2. Callum Mustoe
3. Angus Graham
4. Paddy Browne
5. Luke McCluskey
6. Adam Lamont
7. James McClean
8. Josh Dobbin
9. Callum Davidson
10. Joe O’Rawe
11. Angus Robson
12. Callum Patterson
13. Ben Neely
14. Peter Munce
15. Rodger McBurney
16. Matthew Wright
17. Justin Mark
18. David Milford
19. Lee Montgomery
20. Ali Carson
