Thirds secure first victory of season

The Braidmen came storming out of the blocks with a try in the first ten minutes. A turnover in their own half by the impressive Jeffrey Archer led to Chris Rea galloping downfield and feeding Steven Johnston who went over in the corner. Simon Ross added the extras. CIYMS hit back within several minutes after a well executed backline move put the left wing over for the try leaving it 7-5 to the home side. The away side continued in good form, adding a penalty to take the lead, but from the restart were on the back foot again after a fantastic solo try from Rory Smith leaving Ross an easy kick between the sticks. The men from Belfast scored a great try after good vision by the scrumhalf to take the score to 14-13. Ballymena, wanting to put some distance between themselves and CI on the scoreboard, pushed forward and the last few minutes of the half were all played deep in CIYMS territory. Hooker Bryant McGookin drove over from close range after excellent work from Robin Adair and Richard Montgomery in the pack. Perhaps feeling more secure than the scoreline suggested, the Ballymena side started poorly after the break, conceding a converted try in the first few minutes to take the match back to within a point. Ballymena regrouped and drove up the pitch, the tight five in particular exerting their dominance and winning a valuable penalty which Simon Ross knocked over to leave the score 24-20. CIYMS, however, were not beaten and hit back with a three pointer of their own after poor discipline at ruck time by the home side’s back row. In the last quarter both sides were giving their all and each came close to scoring a try to seal the match. However after a final penalty by Ross took the score to 27-23 the home side hung on for the win repelling a last gasp attack and securing 2 vital league points. Thirds: R Adair, B McGookin, R Montgomery, J Archer, D Perry, S Mulholland, K Lamont, C Rea, S Ross, R Smith, E McCoo, S McMaster, S Johnston, A Goodrich, R McGreer.