Ballymena flattered to deceive against a well-drilled Garryowen side at Eton Park on Saturday when forward power proved decisive for the visitors in a storming second half.

Despite a seventh-minute try from Ballymena's Paul Rodgers (converted by Peter McIntosh), Garryowen went 14-13 in front for the first time in the 52nd minute when Peter Neville went over for a try.

McIntosh restored Ballymena's advantage in the 60th minute but Billy Treacy swept in for a Garryown try and added a penalty. Their dominance in the last 10 minutes was further emphasised when Pat Humphries and Shane Leahy both crossed for trys.

Garryowen not only collected a victory but also landed a bonus point that could yet prove invaluable.

SCORING SEQUENCE: 7 mins: P Rodgers try, McIntosh conversion 7-0; 11: B Treacy penalty 7-3; 14: McIntosh penalty 10-3; 46: Treacy penalty 10-6; 52: P Neville try 10-11; 60: McIntosh penalty, 13-11; 61: Treacy penalty, 13-14; 62: Treacy try 13-19; 72: Treacy penalty 13-22; 76: P Humphries try 13-27; 82: S Leahy try 13-32.

BALLYMENA: S Young; J Topping, G Mitchell, P McIntosh, P Rodgers; A Larkin, A Kettyle; S McConnell, A Gamlin, B Young, D O'Kane, M McCullough, A Graham, J Taggart, R Nelson. Replacements: J Cuppitt for Mitchell (69 mins); W McAllister for B Young (71); D Macartney for A Graham (40); P McBride for Macartney (43); R Kernaghan for Taggart (69).

GARRYOWEN: D Crotty; C Tupinter, R Niland, C Foley, K O'Riordan; B Treacy, T Tierney; J Giltenane, P Humphries, R Laffan, E Kelly, J O'Sullivan, C Varley, P Neville, P Malone. Replacements: S Leahy for Kelly (27).

Referee: J Sheehan (Munster).