Colin Donaldson reports

Ballymoney travelled to a sunny Ballymacarn Park for this clash of two unbeaten sides and were narrowly defeated in an excellent match played in good spirits. The away side opened the scoring following an excellent turnover and a multiphase attack which saw them rumble over under the posts. Handling errors from both sides meant a stop start affair but there was no questioning the physical commitment from both sides.

As the game approached half time the home side came to life with a number of big carries from the forwards leading to a burst for the line from flanker Tiernan McCann. Unfortunately he knocked on as he stretched for the line and Ballymoney retained their lead at the break.

The opening period of the second half proved pivotal for the home side as they scored fifteen unanswered points. McCann was again the key as he pilfered Ballymoney ball and set off upfield only to be stopped just short of the line. Jack Fallon recycled the ball quickly for skipper Adam Blain to score and Ballynahinch were in the game. Centre Sam Hoey then produced an excellent long clearance from the restart to give his side excellent field position and when Ballymoney attempted to run the ball out of defence McCann pounced to win a turnover penalty. Callum McCargo scored from the tap penalty and when Joshua Woods added a penalty moments later it looked like the home side would push on for a comfortable victory.

To their credit Ballymoney gathered themselves for a big finish and camped deep in opposition territory for long periods. They were helped by some poor game management from Ballynahinch and capitalised on a succession of penalties to score from close range and set up a grandstand finish. The home side hung on for a nervy win and take on Rainey at home this weekend as they seek to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.