Sligo's promotion hopes in Division 2B of rugby's Energia All-Ireland League suffered another setback on Saturday at Heffernan Park as the lost out to neighbours 22-15.
It was Sligo's third consecutive league defeat.
In challenging weather conditions, Sligo played against a strong breeze in the first half and trailed Ballina 15-3 at the break.
A Hubert Gilvarry try gave Sligo fresh hope after the restart but the concession of penalties and a red card for Craig Trimble Ballina responded with a converted try of their own to move 22-10 clear.
Cal Goddard then went over in the corner to reduce Ballina's lead to 7.
However, Ballina added a penalty late on to seal a 25-15 win.
Saturday's Division 2B results
Ballina 25 Sligo 15
Belfast Harlequins 18 Galwegians 9
Blackrock 21 Greystones 17
Galway Corinthians 20 Wanderers 19
Malahide 17 Dungannon 7.
