Ballymena produced an outstanding second-half comeback at Eaton Park, overturning a 20-point deficit to defeat Cashel 29–23 in a thrilling AIL encounter.
The match featured the welcome return of Alan O’Connor for his first start of the season after his distinguished Ulster career, with James McClean also back in the back row following injury. Callum Patterson returned to partner Vercoe Rogers in the centre, while Tristan Ferguson stepped in at fullback in place of Nate Carroll.
First Half
Cashel started strongly, moving the ball confidently through the hands to score the opening try in the corner. Ballymena looked to have replied soon after when they crossed the line from close range, but the officials ruled the ball held up.
The visitors then struck again with a sharp piece of opportunism—Cashel’s winger intercepted a loose pass and raced clear for a converted try, doubling the lead to 14–0. Ballymena struggled to generate sustained territory againsta strong wind, and Cashel punished further indiscipline with two well-struck long-range penalties from their fullback. The kicks stretched the margin to 20–0 by half-time and left Ballymena facing a major uphill task.
Second Half
With the wind now at their backs, Ballymena responded exactly as coach John Nicholl demanded with Man of the match Callum Patterson setting the tone right from the kick off. Patterson’s catch and break from.the restart set the platform for Alexander Clarke to power over from close range to get the home side on the board. Callum Davidson converted to make it 7–20. Cashel briefly steadied themselves with another penalty, but Ballymena were now playing with greater tempo and belief.
Captain Lamont then cut through the defensive line, using quick feet to sidestep the final defender and score beneath the posts to reducethe deficit to 23-14.
Moments later, a well-drilled 5m lineout maul allowed Josh Dobbin to touch down, and Davidson’s conversion brought the gap back to two points.
The momentum had fully swung, and Ballymena took the lead for the first time when Alan O’Connor capped his return by finishing off a driving maul from the 22m line.
With the game in the balance, Davidson held his nerve to land a late penalty and seal the dramatic comeback victory.
Full Time: Ballymena 29 – 23 Cashel
This was a morale-boosting win for Ballymena, built on resilience, character, and an outstanding second-half display.
With no game next Saturday, Ballymena face a tough encounter away to league leaders MU Barnhall on 29th November in their next outing.
