Fourth XV prove too strong for neighbours Randalstown

Ballymena Fourths launch an attack during Saturday's match against Randalstown Seconds at Eaton Park. INBT 46-864H

The Braidmen took to the field knowing a win would take them top of the table with games in hand over the teams in second and third place.

After 15 minutes it was Randalstown who opened up the scoring when a rare adventure into the Braidmen’s 22 ended in a penalty. The Randalstown out-half split the posts to make it 0-3.

Ballymena quickly replied when the ball was passed out to centre Jonathan Kelly who handed of the first tackler and beat the covering winger and full back to the line to score to the right of the posts. Jonny Small added the conversion.

It was some 30 minutes into the game when Ballymena added to their first score when the ball was passed out to the wing where second row Ian Caldwell could not be stopped. Jonny Small missed the conversion, 12-3.

With the time running out a break from winger Garret Bell saw the Braidmen get with in touching distance of the try line. The Ballymena pack got up quickly and after a few quick tap and goes Ballymena’s loose head prop was helped over the line for a try. Jonny Small’s conversion rebounded off the uprights to leave the half time score 17-3.

Fifteen minutes into the second half Ballymena broke the Randalstown defence again but this time it came from a delightful chip through for winger Garret Bell to collect and dive over the line. The touch line conversion was missed, 22-3.

Ballymena’s fifth try came after a great defensive tackle from captain Adrian Hayes ripped the ball loose. Mark Moffett was first on the scene who fired the ball out wide to Donny Mckendry who was stop yards from the try line.

The quick thinking winger got his hands free to off load the ball to charging number 8 Darrel O’Kane who could not be stopped.

With time running out, Randalstown went in search of a consolation try but a looping pass from a centre was plucked out of the air by Garret Bell who sprinted 70 metres unchallenged to score under the posts. Jonny Small added the conversion to bring the final score to 34-3.

Fourths: Rodney Hall, David Cooke, Adrian Hayes, Mark Ferguson, Ian Caldwell, Mark Moffett, Gary Donnelly, Darrel O’Kane, Jamie Cunningham, James Mckervill, Donny Mckendry, Jonathan Kelly, Denver Suiters, Garret Bell, Jonny Small.