Clogher Valley 40–36 Ballymena
Ballymena 1XV came up just short in a thrilling Senior Shield Final at The Cran, falling 40–36 to Clogher Valley in a game that saw both sides cross for six tries.
The visitors struck early and came out of the blocks, but the toll of last week’s dramatic AIL Division 2A finale — which saw Ballymena secure their league status — may have caught up with them as the match wore on. With tired bodies and momentum hard to sustain, Ballymena gifted the hosts some easy tries which ultimately cost the game.
Debutant Ali Carson was a bright spark on the day, marking his 1XV bow with a two-try performance. The match also marked the end of an era as long-serving duo Ferguson and Taggart took to the field together for the final time for the 1XV.
Despite a late surge and a chance to steal it at the end, Ballymena were left to rue missed opportunities in what was ultimately a disappointing performance with silverware on the line.
As the curtain falls on a draining and difficult season, head coach John Nicholl and his team will now regroup, with a clear focus on strengthening the squad for 2025/26. Adding experience to complement a talented young core will be a key priority as the club looks to build on survival and push up the table next season.
1. Mustoe
2. Taggart
3. Mawhinney
4. Milford
5. J Browne
6. Glass
7. Lamont
8. Dobbin
9. Robson
10. Ferguson
11. Carson
12. Patterson
13. Vercoe Rogers
14. Neely
15. McBurney
16. Ferguson
17. Mark
18. Marshall
19. Gallagher
20. Roshan
21. Smith
22. Ritson
