BALLYMENA removed any last element of doubt about their Division One status for next season when they scored another fine away victory, over Young Munster at Clifford Park on Saturday. However, a fourth successive home defeat for Young Munster - they did not score in the second half - still leaves them with some work to do if they are to avoid the drop.

Ballymena, who had helped to end the championship hopes of Lansdowne a week previously, picked up where they had left off on that occasion. With Paul McBride, Gary Longwell and especially number eight and captain, Dean McCartney in great form up front, they took the battle to Young Munster from the kick-off.

It came as no surprise when the pressure told in the shape of a Derek McAleese try after 11 minutes. Even though Aidan O'Halloran hit back with a penalty for Young Munster after 17 minutes, Ballymena regained control when they drove over the Young Munster line and McCartney was accredited with the touchdown.

O'Halloran kicked his second penalty on 41 minutes to renew home hopes, but the score failed to ignite the anticipated second half revival.

Instead, Ballymena remained in command, and while the exchanges were rarely bright or entertaining, that hardly bothered the visitors, who cruised home thanks to three penalty goals by full-back Ray McIlmoyle.