Queen’s against Ballymena are always tight games whether home or away, and this was no exception. The visitors pressed hard in the Queens 22 for the opening 10 mins and only resolute defence from Queen’s and a few handling errors by the visitors prevented Queen’s from going behind.
The resolute defence set the pattern for the rest of the match + it was a real physical encounter, interspersed with excellent examples of free flowing attacking Rugby, mainly from the students.
Queen’s should have had two tries but a combination of forward passes and solid defending from Ballymena kept the scores level at 0-0 until on 33 mins a Chris Quinn Penalty put Queen’s 3 points ahead at the interval.
Quinn added a further 3 points early in the second half, but a god Ballymena attack resulted in a try for Centre Richard Insworth, which Scrum Half Ian Vance converted to take a 7-6 lead. This only served to spur on the young Queen’s side, and Ritchie McMaster was to the fore with an excellent tactical kicking display. Chris Quinn continued his excellent form with the boot, adding 2 more penalties.
A great break by winger Chris Colvin ended in Jonny Heron touching down and Quinn converted again to put Queen’s in total control at 27-14. A late rally from Ballymena earned them a consolation try for Alistair Fraser, which was converted by Vance to leave the final score 27-14.
For Queen’s, Paddy McGowan was again outstanding in the pack, and Stuart Mcilwaine led a great backline performance, and along with the boot of Quinn ensure a well deserved victory!
