Flanker Michael Graham grabbed a hat-trick of tries in Ballynahinch's gutsy 35-20 defeat of Ulster rivals Ballymena at Ballymacarn Park.

But the result, ‘Hinch’s first win in four AIB League games, was not enough to prevent the County Down side from dropping straight back down to Division 2.

With Buccaneers and Dungannon also winning on the final day, Derek Suffern’s side had no reward for arguably their best display of the season.

Compounding the sense of woe around the ‘Hinch clubhouse, Ballymena's ninth loss of the campaign also means they have been relegated from Division 1B.

Ulster Ravens winger Tommy Seymour struck for two first half as Ballymena settled well. But Graham’s impressive haul and efforts from centre Stuart Morrow and winger David Nicholson saw the home side forage clear.

New Zealander Ryan Bambry kicked two conversions and two penalties to take his tally for the league campaign to 93 points.

Scorers: Ballynahinch: Michael Graham 3, Stuart Morrow, David Nicholson; Cons: Ryan Bambry 2; Pens: Ryan Bambry 2

Ballymena: Tries: Tommy Seymour 2; Cons: Rory Drysdale 2; Pens: Rory Drysdale 2

HT: Ballynahinch 18 Ballymena 14