Academy win at Sullivan

Ballymena travelled to Co Down with both centres missing due to injury. Peter Storey came in at 12 with Peter Gillespie making his first appearance for the 1st XV at number 13.

Academy dominated the early exchanges with number 8 Peter Wallace scoring in the 6th minute.

In the 10th minute Charlie Simpson scored following a deft kick over the Sullivan defence by Academy 10 Patterson. Academy appeared to go off the boil then and Sullivan had their best period of the half. A penalty in the 30th minute followed by a try and conversion in the 33rd minute left the half time score 10-12.

Academy continued to dominate in the second half with Patterson slotting over a penalty in the 36th minute and scrum half Pumulo Banda going over for a try in the 47th minute.

In the 52nd minute Academy back row forward, John Andrew scored following more good work by the Ballymena pack.

In the 60th minute with Academy pressing forward, Sullivan intercepted a pass by Patterson on the half way line to break away and score. Ballymena made three changes giving James McKerville, Jack Burgess, and Paddy Millar, grandson of Ireland and Lions Captain Sid Millar, their first taste of 1st XV rugby.

In the 66th minute, McKerville crashed over in the corner to complete the scoring.

Academy: S McNabney, K Galloway, G Hargy, D Whann, M Rea, J Andrew, P Wallace, T Patton, P Banda, C Patterson, N Stirling, P Storey, P Gillespie, M McBride, C Simpson, J McKerville, J Burgess, P Millar, G Dennison.