Rugby: Battling Shannon gets a deserved win

Shannon 12 - 9 Ballymena

Battling Shannon bounced back from their shock first round defeat by UCD to score a deserved three point AIL league win over Ballymena at Thomond Park.

Visitors Ballymena led by nine points to three at half-time thanks to three penalty goals from out-half Peter McIntosh.

However, backed by the elements, Shannon set about reducing the gap with relish.

A penalty goal from Andrew Thompson eight minutes into the second half halved the Ballymena advantage.

Talented centre Maurice Lawlor leveled the game with a drop goal from near the touch line.

Shannon continued to press and their pressure was rewarded when Thompson slotted home the winning penalty goal six minutes from time.