Ballymena had to fight hard all the way through this Ulster Cup semi final to overcome a determined Derry outfit. Two penalties by Tim Small had given the home side a six point lead, which was increased in the first minute of the second half try by an Alan Smyth try following a brilliant piece of running by Darrell Montgomery. The conversion and a penalty ten minutes later opened up a sixteen point lead, and it all looked done and dusted. Derry had other ideas and two tries, one converted, brought them back to 16-12. The game was sealed by an injury time penalty by Tim Small, making the final score 19-12. Ballymena wish to congratulate close neighbours Rainey on their semi final victory over Malone, and look forward to meeting them in the final on 12th December at Ravenhill.
