Constitution's preparation pays dividend

Cork Constitution prepared assiduously, identified the key areas of scrummaging and fringe defence, and then simply played with an intelligence and focus that merited victory at Eaton Park on Saturday. An ability to perform tasks with only a modicum of error offered a stark contrast to Ballymena's fumblings on a bad day for the "Men in Black."

The performances of the respective out-halves, Constitution's Irish Under-21 international Ronan O'Gara and Ballymena's former international Derek McAleese ultimately summed up the game.

O'Gara was assured, measured in both his kicking and distribution, contributing not only 14 points with the boot but a purpose and composure that belied his tender years. Constitution coach Ray Coughlan admitted: "Ronan was excellent for us. He invariably did the right thing. I think both Ronan and Brian (O'Meara) have learnt how to use possession well in the most adverse circumstances this season.

"Ronan may be a small guy, physique-wise, but his defence is superb, both in terms of first up tackling and covering: his kicking was very astute. He's an elegant player."

While O'Gara prospered in the heavy underfoot conditions, McAleese was laboured and predictable, too often kicking aimlessly and squandering possession in a display that belied the previous level of competency the big outhalf had shown all season.

Denied the obvious benefits of quick ruck ball, McAleese lacked the subtlety and craft to create space for those outside: Ballymena's favoured ploy was to send Stanley McDowell and Mickey Rainey slanting back towards the pack.

On the couple of occasions that the ball was moved wide to their pacey back three, poor passing cost two try-scoring opportunities, notably when Jan Cunningham's shocking pass saw Andy Park spill the ball with an unopposed 25-metre canter in prospect.

The malaise which permeated through the team, once denied their traditional dominant platform up front, does not augur well for Ballymena's play-off aspirations: Saturday was about rolling up sleeves, metaphorically, and chiseling out a result. In mitigation the absence of number eight Keith Gallick was a huge loss to the home side. His ability to breach the gain line from setpieces was one that was generally beyond those on duty.

Constitution had identified the scrums as an area in which they could lay down a marker.

As Coughlan explained: "There was a suggestion beforehand that they would do very well in the scrums; they came with a huge reputation earned through a series of early scrums where they shunted Shannon around Thomond Park. But, if you look at the video, after that initial flurry, Shannon lock out quite comfortably.

"We did a similar job against Shannon and placed a great emphasis on scrummaging well." This Constitution managed with considerably success, enjoying an advantage in the tight that, but for a crucial lack of control, in the fourth scrum, could have led to a penalty try in the 27th minute.

The Cork team also a greater appreciation of referee Leo Mayne's reluctance to enforce the offside rule. Centres Alan Byrne and Niall Murray closed down their opposite numbers with the advantage of a stolen yard or two.

Left wing John Kelly was another to shine in defence but it was openside flanker Jerry Murray who was arguably Constitution's most influential defender. His ability to slow down Ballymena possession, stymied them constantly. Indeed, the visiting backrow in general outplayed their counterparts.

Constitution led 9-3 at the interval through two penalties and a beautifully struck 28-metre drop goal from O'Gara to a penalty from McAleese. Ballymena might have struck immediately after the interval but for an excellent try-saving tackle by O'Meara on Park.

O'Gara's third penalty on 46 minutes edged the visitors further ahead but they were a touch fortunate that winger Matthew McLoughlin's blatant pullback on Park after Cunningham's fine break, resulted in nothing more than a yellow card and penalty which McAleese kicked: a penalty try would have been more appropriate.

The visitors escaped again when McLoughlin made a hash of a clearance but Steven Ritchie threw a poor pass with the line gaping. Constitution's victory was finally assured when, in injury time, McLoughlin intercepted McAleese's wafted long pass inside his own 22 to cross unopposed. O'Gara posted the conversion.

This victory should provide Constitution with heart for forthcoming battles and give them a sniff of a play-off berth while for Ballymena, harsh words and reappraisal are a prerequisite prior to their trip to Templeville Road next week.