Shannon scramble to win at Ballymena

Ballymena 11 Shannon 22

Shannon stuttered to an opening day win in Division One as a late try from David Quinlan settled matters at Eaton Park.

The former captain picked up a loose ball off a ruck and ran in from halfway to crown the champions’ 200th AIB League game.

Shannon led by 17-6 at the break after tries from full-back David O’Donovan and winger Mark Tuohy. Dirkie Strydom kicked a penalty and scrum half David Drake hit a drop goal for the Braidmen.

The hosts controlled much of the second half but could only add a Craig Woods try on 71 minutes.

Scorers: Ballymena: Try: Craig Woods; Pen: Dirkie Strydom; Drop: David Drake

Shannon: Tries: Mark Tuohy, David O’Donovan, David Quinlan; Cons: Andrew Thompson 2; Pen: Thompson