On a surprisingly nice day, Ballymoney 2s went to Dungannon looking for some more points in the Provincial Premier 1 league campaign, and to perhaps make up for some recent narrow losses.

But with late injuries and call-offs affecting selection, there were some new and returning faces in the lineup this week - David McKeeman, Adam Donnelly, David Hodges, and Alfie Clyde all making an appearance for the first time in a while - and a reshuffled back line gave Robbie McNeill a shot at fly-half, partnering Marc Tweed.

The match started with a real battle in the scrums - captain Jason Clyde, Adam Donnelly, and Dan McCord in the front row getting to grips with a solid opposition. An early penalty miss let the home side off the hook, and their good exit led to a spell of attacking possession and their first try from a lineout maul.

The hosts had a very nimble back line as well, and this was demonstrated with the next two tries - the powerful and evasive winger managing to break through the covering tackles and score in the corner twice before half time.

But Ballymoney were showing some good signs - Brown put Adam Hodges through a gap to make 40 yards, and shortly after Tom Lowry went charging through the middle - but both chances came to nothing.

Facing a 17-0 deficit at half time, it was crucial to get out of the gate. And Mike McAleese was on hand to open the visitor's account, slicing through the defence from a botched clearance to score under the posts. Tweed converted for 17-7.

Ballymoney were competing well at this point, with Andrew Millar's carrying and offloading game creating space for Lowry and Clyde around him. In defence, George McAuley and Jack Alexander were making the headlines with some strong collisions, while the tight forwards kept the home pack at bay.

But as the half progressed, the game naturally broke up, and from broken field the lively Dungannon centre picked his gap and cruised through for a score. This was shortly followed by another try from an overlap and a good step infield to beat the cover defence.

Alfie Clyde did manage to snag a consolation score at the end, claiming a loose lineout from the hosts and ricocheting his way over the line from 15 yards out. David Hodges converted for a final score of 31-14.

On the day, Dungannon 2s showed why they have been able to win the 2nd division last year and are in the contest for the 1st division this year. They showed that they are a well-balanced side, with a strong pack and great footwork in the backs - but who tackle hard and scramble well when required to keep the scores out.

But the Ballymoney 2s left knowing that they were at the same level for long stretches of the game, and with a bit of work on the training pitch can have a real go at the cup again this year. That campaign continues on the 8th of February, away to Omagh 3s - who beat Dungannon 2s in the last round.