Ulster fly half Paddy Wallace was an influential figure at Crowley Park as Ballymena edged past hosts Galwegians by 17-15 in their AIB League Division One clash.
Wallace took a quick tap penalty, evaded the cover and made the right corner to help the Braidmen into a 5-3 lead. 'Wegians full-back Brendan Bartley had opened the scoring with a penalty after 18 minutes.
Winger Peter Bodina (67 minutes) and centre Jamie McGrugan (70) touched down in quick succession to push Ballymena further in front at 17-3. Wallace laid the platform for McGrugan’s try as he kicked ‘Wegians back to five metres from their own line. From the home side’s botched lineout, Wallace offloaded for McGrugan to touch down under the posts.
‘Wegians showed a dogged determination in their hunt for a first win in three league outings. Two sin-binnings for Ballymena pack heavyweights Michael McComish and Ian Cadwell aided the home side's cause.
Tries from Ivan Muldoon, from a 77th-minute lineout maul, and Michael Swift, who was playing at number eight, followed, but Bartley’s conversion of Swift’s late score was the last kick of an eventful encounter.
