Shannon in mood to strike

HAVING won Division One last season, Shannon travel to play 2003 champions Ballymena at Eaton Park today.

The Limerick side will travel in confidence, having handed out a 42-13 hammering to UCD last week and coach Mick Galwey will be keen to use that victory as a springboard to greater things. With Ballymena out of sorts in recent weeks, the men in black and blue look in good shape for their fifth win of the campaign.

The coach was among the playing personnel the last time Shannon played Ballymena at Eaton Park two years ago, and their 14-13 loss on that occasion will give Galwey pause. Steph Nel's Ballymena have lost four of their last six outings but Shannon won't take them for granted on their last trip north of the border Belfast Harlequins scored 19 second-half points against them.