Ballymoney progress in Junior Cup

Ballymoney took the field on Saturday looking to carry on their second half form against Coleraine and post a more convincing display. With Lisburn also looking to improve on their results last week, this was always going to be a competitive encounter.

From the start, this was a much improved performance, albeit against a lower division side. A missed penalty in 8 minutes was the only chance in the opening exchanges. After 15 minutes and some sustained pressure, James Cleland got the scoreboard moving with a penalty.

Lisburn were not to be rolled over easily, and two missed penalties after 28 and 31 minutes served as a warning to Ballymoney that this would not be an easy day.

The pressure up front was starting to show, and a Lisburn forward saw yellow just before half time for persistently slowing down ruck ball.

Keen to use the extra man, right on 40 mins, Jonny Hanna got his second try of the season with a pick up from a 5m scrum. A missed conversion, but a better margin to build from.

Ten minutes later, John Laughlin scored after a kick and chase outside the 22. Cleland made no mistake with the conversion this time, 15-0 after 50 mins and coaches Taggart and Beddow were starting to breath a little easier.

On 55 minutes, not wanting to be outdone, Cleland went in for a try himself, but missed the conversion for 20-0. And then a few minutes later Ryan Brace added another, after a break and offload from Cleland.

With 15 minutes to go, hooker Dave Watson picked up a shoulder injury and, with both subs already in play, Ballymoney had to go down to 14 men and unopposed scrums.

Lisburn got on the scoreboard in the last minute with a catch and drive from the lineout, but by that point it was consolation.

After the match coach Taggart said "I was pleased with the result, and we are starting to show signs of playing as a team. But we are still missing scoring opportunities - we need to develop a ruthless streak to finish tries off when they they are available."

Next week is a return to league rugby, away to Dromore in what is sure to be a tight exchange.