BALLYMENA are lacing a close examination of their Division One credentials after this embarrassingly heavy defeat at the hands of Ulster neighbours Dungannon on Saturday.

Dungannon's powerful but mobile pack laid the foundations for their success, with lineout specialist Keith Walker and his second row partner, the marauding Charlie Simpson inspiring their colleagues.

They got off to the perfect start when hooker Michael Patton charged forward to send scrumhalf Stephen Bell, who had a superb game, clear for the first of his two tries, with Ashley Blair adding the conversion.

Dungannon's clever tactical play made little of wind disadvantage as Ballymena struggled in vain to achieve some momentum, and they had to rely on the boot of former international out half Derek McAleese to register their first points with two penalties.

But two Blair penalties strengthened Dungannon's position and they led 13-6 at half-time.

Ballymena could do little to prevent the inevitable onslaught after the break, and Blair made an early impact with a well-struck dropped goal.

With players of undoubted attacking flair, such as James Topping and Ricky Mcllmoyle, forced to defend desperately, Dungannon grew in strength.

It wasn't long before the visitors' line was breached for a second time, Blair sending winger Ronnie Carey over in the corner, with Blair adding a wonderful conversion.

Ballymena held out nervously for 20 minutes before conceding a third try, Simpson powering forward to give Bell the chance to go in for his second of the game, Blair again converting.

Dungannon completed the rout five minutes from the end when flanker Johnny Patterson thundered over in the corner.