Delight for Dalriada as they win the Subsidiary Shield

Playing with a strong wind at their backs in the first half, Dalriada enjoyed a fine start to the game as they took the game to their opponents from the off.

The Ballymoney boys looked to play with width and outside centre Peter Dunlop made a couple of early breaks into opposition territory.

They continued to pressurise the Ballymena defence and despite butchering a few scoring opportunities, they were rewarded for that good spell with an unconverted try from right wing Matthew Lochart.

Ballymena responded with a penalty from outhalf Andrew Magrath, which cut the deficit to just two points.

Knowing that the elements would have a major impact on the outcome of the game, Dalriada pushed for a second score before half time but a combination of poor handling and excellent Ballymena defence ensured the scoreline remained 5-3 going into the break.

As expected, Ballymena then enjoyed long periods of the game on the front foot, but they too struggled to convert pressure into points on more than a few occasions.

Those missed opportunities proved costly as Dalriada winger Robert Hunter collected the ball in his own 22 and made great ground before supplying an inside pass to impressive fullback Michael Finnerty who touched down under the posts.

Captain Timmy Emerson added the simple extras to extend his side’s lead to 12-3.

Ballymena tried to respond late on - Magrath and skipper Duncan Maguire looked the most likley to spark something - but it was to no avail in the end.

That meant David Dougherty’s well drilled side sealed the win and took home the Danske Bank Subsidiary Shield.