Ballymena v Queen's (Ulster League)
Queens 7 Ballymena 42
Ballymena travelled to Queens and as expected had a rather convincing
victory by 42 points to 7. At this time of the year the students sides
are weakened by people going away for Xmas but this should not detract
from a convincing Ballymena display the forwards took the game to the
students right from the start and dominated proceedings throughout the
match. Jonny Burgess got the first try in the 12th minute from good play
by forwards and backs and set the precedent for the afternoon. Further
tries followed from Chris Smith, Ian Caldwell and Jimmy Topping. Dirkie
Strydom was in superb kicking form and converted all four tries to give
Ballymena a 28 points to nil lead at half time. Seven minutes into the
second half, after a good phase of Ballymena play in the home 22, Ian
Caldwell was held up on the line but the ball broke to Michael Harshaw
who burrowed his way over for a try which Dirkie Strydom converted.
After
this Queens seemed to get plenty of possession and with their limited
resources put up a spirited show and were throwing the ball about but
Ballymena were always dangerous and scored another try in the 55th minute.
Yet again Ian Caldwell did the groundwork and Simon Shawe finished it
off. Dirkie Strydom added the points. With a comfortable lead Ballymena
took their foot off the pedal and Queens played some lively rugby which
eventuall got its reward in the 70th minute with a converted try. Ballymena:
D Strydom; A Smyth, J Topping (C Brigl 60), J Burgess, P Budina; CSmith,
P Spence (D Drake 51); C Allen (A Kirkpatrick 67), M Harshaw ( S Douglas
51), S Shawe, I Caldwell, D Best, A Graham (M Hill 67), A Cupples, G Moore.
