The Butler Shield Final was hosted at Ballymoney on Saturday with the 4s squad facing Clogher Valley 3s.

The game was faced paced and it didn’t take long until Ballymoney got their first points on the board with a penalty by Dunlop; 3-0.
The game continued in the same vein; both sides had their fair share of possession but the Ballymoney defence was solid and nullified Clogher’s attack. The forward pack of Ballymoney marched up the field and the hard work paid off with the first try by Dunlop; he added the conversion to extend the lead 10-0.
Clogher had great attacking opportunities but last ditch tackles and great counter rucks by Ballymoney saw their chances squandered.
Ballymoney had managed the first half well and they extended their lead with a strong lineout through Aidy Graham to see them drive Clogher back over the line for Marty Murray to score a well deserved. The conversion was added by Dunlop and the lead extended to 17-0.

The second half kicked off and the youth of CV showed their skill and determination to score a try with the conversion narrowing the lead to 17-7. Ballymoney were not flustered but having just received a yellow card through Murray, the pressure was mounting. With the hosts down to 14 men, the momentum swung in Clogher’s favour and they struck again to close the gap to 17-14. Ballymoney now had a challenge for the shield and it was anybody’s game.

Clogher gave Ballymoney a scare as their fullback broke through with eyes on the try line. A last-ditch tackle by Sam Mcracken saw them knock the ball on 2 metres from the try line. Ballymoney steadied the ship and cleared their lines.

The game was intense and Ballymoney made good ground in the opposition’s half; with the clock ticking it wasn’t long before the Ballymoney backs let loose and quick hands by Brace to Carruthers, who put Smyth away to snap back through the Clogher backline and score in the last minute of the game. The conversion by Dunlop saw game end 24-14. A great day of rugby and a well-deserved victory for the toon men.