Ballymena Hit Back At Buccs

Ballymena completed a second half comeback under the Dubarry Park floodlights as they denied Buccaneers their first win in four AIB League Division 1B games.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, January 16

BUCCANEERS 13 BALLYMENA 16, Dubarry Park

Scorers: Buccaneers: Try: Conor Higgins; Con: JH Potgieter; Pens: JH Potgieter 2
Ballymena: Try: Ryan Fisher; Con: David O’Hara; Pens: David O’Hara 3 

A try from Ulster Ravens hooker Ryan Fisher was converted by in-form out-half David O’Hara whose 11-point kicking contribution took his tally for the campaign to 47 points.

The key to Buccs’ 18-15 win over the Braidmen at Eaton Park in October was that they managed to sustain a high level of play throughout the game. Unfortunately for the Pirates, Saturday’s tie saw them fall away in the second half.

South African out-half JH Potgieter showed well after his Christmas break, kicking a penalty and converting a try from Connacht prop Conor Higgins as the Buccs pack got the early edge.

The home side were 10-3 to the good at half-time, with an O’Hara penalty Ballymena’s only score.

But John Andrews’ Ballymena side found an extra gear in the second period and with O’Hara punishing any indiscipline from Buccs, Fisher’s try was ultimately the telling score as the visitors made it two wins on the trot in the league.