Braidmen’s bid for survival picks up bonus boost
Even so, coach Andy Graham’s men still have a lot to do to turn things around.
With Ulster players John Andrew, Clive Ross and Mattie and Marcus Rea all in their pack, Ballymena had a strong presence up front and they raced into an early lead too, going 21-0 up before the break.
Second row Connor Smyth had two tries in the bag while Marcus Rea had also crossed before Belvo got two of their own scores to cut Ballymena’s lead to 21-14 at the turnaround.
Belvo, though, failed to score again and the Braidmen’s penalty try sealed the game and the added bonus of maximum points.
Malone were on the wrong end of the 21-11 scoreline in their Ulster derby at Banbridge.
Late tries from number eight Stevie Irvine and centre Andrew Morrison put Bann clear in what was a closely fought affair at Rifle Park.
Malone had only trailed 6-3 after the opening 40 minutes but after Adam Doherty’s third penalty put Bann 9-6 up they stayed in front though their tries only came in the closing part of the game.
The Gibson Park side just managed a Peter Cooper try in the last moments though they are still top of the table as Naas were surprisingly beaten.
Bann remain in third but are now just two behind Malone.
Ballynahinch’s 27-16 victory at Old Wesley was attention-grabbing as Brian McLaughlin’s men made it two wins on the bounce to shift up a place to fourth.
Ulster player Peter Nelson led the way on Wesley’s artificial surface by kicking 17 points thanks to five penalties and a conversion.
Subs Campbell Classon and former Ulster player Ross Adair were Hinch’s try scorers in a clash which saw the visitors trail 13-12 at half-time.
Meanwhile, City of Armagh dropped two spots to sixth after losing 24-17 at Buccaneers.
Chris Colvin and Andrew Smyth bagged tries for Armagh. 1B: Ballymena 28 Belvo 14, Bann 21 Malone 11, Buccs 24 Armagh 17, Wesley 16 Hinch 27.