Just the one tie following the adverse weather to start the year off, Ballymena edged a tight tussle with Old Crescent as both are now level on points towards the end of the table.
Ballymena 22-19 Old Crescent, Eaton Park
Ballymena remain eight despite their bonus point win over Old Crescent as their losing bonus point leaves score difference between them in the table.
Crescent had the ideal start with David Rickard getting their opening try after seven minutes Ronan McKenna converted shortly after, the half continued as both teams put the pressure on but after the half hour mark Cathal O’Reilly crossed under the posts for the second try and McKenna made it a 14-0 lead.
Ballymena however replied well to see out the end of the opening half, a Lamont try in the 38th minute was followed up by a Rhys Irvine try in injury time to leave four between them at the break.
The hosts continued the scoring after the restart, full-back Rodger McBurney made a terrific run to cut up the Limerick sides defence and he spotted Lamont who crossed for their third try to give them the lead for the first time.
Crescent had two men go the bin and a short while later Lamont was over in the corner for his hat trick after they opted for a quick tap and go free pushing their lead out to 22-14 by the 50th minute. The Shannonsiders battled back with Rickard getting his brace to leave three between them on the hour mark, the ending was dramatic with a drop goal hitting the upright and a penalty missing for the draw, Ballymena held on in a dramatic tie in Eaton Park.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.