The season has started sluggishly for both clubs but on the evidence of this match it is Ballymena who should be more concerned. This was their third defeat from four outings.

Ulster contracted players Stanley McDowell, Brad Free and David Allen played their part in raising the tempo when Ballymena enjoyed sustained spells of pressure, but it was the visitors who possessed the killer instinct.

If outhalf Conor Mahony was the playmaker and main source of points for the visitors, it was the physical prowess and know-how of the O'Callaghan brothers and Jim Williams up front that provided the foundation for victory.

Mahony scored all his side's points in an entertaining first period with a try against the run of play and two penalties.

That Ballymena only went into the break with a single point advantage following four penalties by Peter McIntosh despite all their pressure was an ominous sign of their lack of a cutting edge.

And so it proved. Constitution got their noses in front with a try by Des Dillon and although Ballymena rallied once more, they could find no way through.

McIntosh cut the deficit to a point with his fifth penalty but they would get no closer. Lock Donnacha O'Callaghan barged over for a try, Mahony's conversion putting the visitors two scores ahead. Another McIntosh penalty gave Ballymena a brief lifeline but Mahony put the game beyond the home side with a drop-goal.

BALLYMENA: S Young; H Swift, S McDowell, G Mitchell, A Maxwell; P McIntosh, B Free; B Young, A Gamlin, L Stewart (N McKernan 69), D Patrick (D Topping 68), M McCullough, D Allen, D Macartney, J Taggart.

CORK CONSTITUTION: R Kenneally; D Hurley, D Dillon, R O'Donovan, A Sherrard; C Mahony (F O'Mara 79), A O'Sullivan; I Murray, J Fogarty, J O'Driscoll (R McGrath 69), K Murphy (S O'Connor 31), D O'Callaghan, J Williams, U O'Callaghan, J Murray.

Referee: T Redmond (Leinster)