CHAMPIONSHIP 2
ARDS 34
LETTERKENNY 10
AFTER a short break, Ards’ league campaign restarted on Saturday with the visit of Letterkenny RFC to Hamilton Park.
And the Comber Road side made it back-to-back wins as they cemented their position in the top half of the Championship 2 table.
Following on from last week’s Junior Shield match, there was little change to the side, with a debut on the bench given to teenager James Ward in his first season of senior rugby.
Ards received the kick-off playing towards Scrabo Tower in dull but dry conditions. Letterkenny enjoyed some territory from the start and threatened early. Their wing was tackled into touch by Ards prop Matthew Kane and Ards cleared from the line out and won a scrum on halfway.
Moving the ball to the right touchline via full-back Angus Christie, play was transferred inside and carries by Luke Megarity and Kane committed the Letterkenny defence. Fly half Robbie Johnston made a weaving run and line break, feeding wing Ethan Bell who passed back inside to captain Ryan Upritchard to take the opening try. Christie’s conversion was good and the score opened at 7-0.
The visitors won possession at the restart and quickly earned an offside penalty. Opting for goal, the score moved to 7-3. As play resumed, Ards gradually gained some territory and were attacking on the left with an overlap. Sensing this, the Letterkenny wing shot into the line and picked out a good intercept to run through and score. The conversion was good and against the run of play, Ards found themselves 7-10 down.
With 15 minutes gone, Ards were on the attack again and as Kane sustained an injury going into contact, there was an early call up for debutant Ward at prop. From the penalty, phases were built with forward carries from Danny Patton, Matthew Bell and Robbie Grant. Releasing the backs, Ards were now deep in the visitors’ 22. Moving the ball inside again to Grant and Ward, a chance was earned to the left, well finished by Matthew Bell. The conversion was just wide, but the lead regained at 12-10.
As the second quarter started, Ards were building from the restart, with Curtis Ewing setting a platform. A smart line by centre Matthew Warnock saw a clean line break, but the pass was adjudged offside and the attack broke down. Good defensive pressure won a turnover penalty and Ards were able to clear upfield. A deep kick from Ethan Bell was run back by Letterkenny and a tackle by Ards scrum half Shay Duckett saw him receive a yellow card.
Ards worked the reduced numbers well, earning an early turnover and then building three solid sets of phases to absorb time. The last of these won a kickable penalty, well taken by Christie to move the lead out to 15-10.
More fierce carrying by Grant, Patton and Matthew Bell saw further inroads being made as the half was closing, but the Letterkenny defence was good in midfield and Ards’ back moves were stifled with no further score before the break.
A good restart and pressure from Ards saw them earn a line out just outside the visitors’ 22. Quick ball off the top was passed to the charging Matthew Bell, who barged through a number of defenders to take a well received try. Christie’s conversion was good and Ards had clear water at 22-10.
Letterkenny brought some pressure themselves after the restart and good runs by their centre and number eight ended with a scrum on the Ards 22-metre line. A series of carries by their heavy pack was well contained and ended by a turnover from Megarity.
The Donegal men were soon on the attack again, but further robust defence was seen across the Ards team, with Grant and Warnock featuring as another turnover was won, this time by Trevor Devlin. From this, good territory was gained by Ewing and Grant and as the ball was moved wide, Upritchard was almost released for a try.
Ards’ defensive resilience continued to absorb the efforts of the Letterkenny forwards in midfield and their patience and discipline earned a turnover penalty, sent down the line by Johnston.
Quickly recycled ball to Devlin saw him make an inside pop pass to Megarity to take the bonus point try. With Christie adding the extras, the score moved on to 29-10.
With the final quarter underway, the Ards defence was confident and happy to hold the visitors at bay and wait for turnover opportunities. One earned on halfway saw the ball moved right through Ethan Bell and Upritchard to feed Ewing. Grant took the move forward with a bursting run as Ards were well behind the Letterkenny defensive line. Passing right to Johnston, he released Harry Blaney to charge into the corner for a fine try. A tough conversion was wide, but the lead was now at 36-10.
The final 10 minutes saw Letterkenny work their way into the Ards red zone, but try as they might to earn a consolation score, the Ards defensive line was not to be broken, as all 15 played their part.
In the end, a turnover rip by Ethan Bell allowed Ards to walk the ball forward and run the clock down for a 36-10 victory. This Saturday sees the visit of Lisburn RFC to Hamilton Park as the league programme continues.
No let up for Thirds at the top
REGIONAL EAST 1
MALONE 3XV 22
ARDS 3XV 41
ARDS Thirds strengthened their grip on pole position in Regional East 1 with victory over Malone at Gibson Park.
The Ards team remained consistent as it has all season and was boosted with the availability of Aaron Bittles, Kristian Wallace-McKimm and Graeme Taylor who all started in the pack. The backline was boosted by the return of Pete Thompson at nine, to partner skipper Paul Cox.
Both teams looked to make use of early possession, with Ards being the first to get on the scoresheet. A penalty as a result of a jackle turnover from Davy Reid allowed Ards to kick to the corner and a quick ball found its way into the hands of Graeme Taylor, who was poised in the midfield. A hard crash line meant he found his way under the posts, with Cox slotting a simple conversion.
From the restart, Ards failed to clean up the kick-off with a knock on giving Malone possession deep into the Ards 22. A series of pick a goes after the scrum then led a score out wide, with the conversion missed.
After a passage of kick tennis between both sides, Ards got the territorial gain, winning a penalty from an offside. This allowed Cox to kick deep into the Malone 22. A great lineout from secured Ards possession as the maul marched forward. With 15 metres to go, a powerful Ards maul marched over the home side’s line and Neil Horner touched down for the second score. Conversion missed, the scoreboard read 12-5.
The momentum was in no way in Ards’ favour despite the two quick scores. This was evident when a period of poor defence and big carries from Malone allowed them to level the game with a converted try.
Ards had the final say just before half time. Claiming possession from the kick off, Ards began to work themselves up the pitch with carries from Carter Bell, Bittles and Chris McClure. After an infringement at the breakdown, Ards were awarded another penalty and kicked to the corner. A set play from the lineout allowed Michael Taylor to show a turn of pace and beat his opposite number before throwing an offload to Barnes who touched down for another Ards score. The tough conversion from out wide was scored for a 19-12 lead at the break.
Ards started the second half from where they left off, with useful carries coming from Barnes and Wilson on the wings to get the Black Knights into a good attacking position. An offside penalty allowed Cox to kick to the corner, where Ards deployed their powerful maul. From 10 metres out, Ards marched over the line and Paddy Bond touched down for a try on his return to the black jersey. Conversion missed, 24-12.
From the restart, the referee penalised Ards for an infringement at the breakdown, which allowed Malone to narrow the points gap, sticking a penalty over the posts.
Play ebbed and flowed for the middle period of the second half until Ards once again got into their stride and a smart 50-22 from scrum-half Thompson gave the Knights a great attacking platform. A smart loop play from the lineout allowed captain Cox to run in under the posts for another score. Conversion landed, Ards’ lead was 31-15.
From an Ards handling error, Malone gained an attacking scrum in the middle of the pitch. A pre-set backs move from the home side found their lightning fast winger who strolled in untouched with the conversion added.
The try of the day came late on in the second half. A strong carry upfield from Ryan Copeland gave Ards a great attacking position. Pete Thompson put in a pinpoint chip over the top which was gathered on the full by Cox who did remarkably well to stay infield and dive in for the score.
With only a few minutes left to play, Adam Coulter read the Malone backs’ play and stole an intercept on the 22. A foot race took Ards close to the Malone try line and a smart offload to Pete Thompson allowed him to touch down.
Many thanks as always to USRFR and referee Teddy Hall for a well managed and spirited game. Kristian Wallace-McKimm picked up an unfortunate ankle injury and we wish him well in his recovery.
The 3XV return to action on November 23 with a trip to Belfast High School Former Pupils 2XV.
Condolences
ARDS Rugby president Warren Simpson was saddened to hear of the passing of former 1st XV player Sam Martin last Friday.
Warren would like to express his condolences and those of all club members to his wife Christine, his son and former player Graeme and the Martin family at this sad time.
The funeral will take place at S. Clarke and Son, Bangor, on Friday, November 15 at 12pm. Followed by a short service at Roselawn Cemetery.
The family invites all attending to Bangor Golf Club after the ceremony for refreshments at 3pm.
Youth rugby
LAST Saturday morning, the club’s U16 and U18 boys teams hosted their Donaghadee counterparts at Hamilton Park.
Ards had limited numbers available and many thanks to the Donaghadee players who donned the black jersey to ensure everyone got a game of rugby. Thanks to Kelly and Rosie, everyone enjoyed the hotdogs and soft drinks post-match. Thanks also to Jonny and Sarah for the sausages.
On Sunday, the U14 and U16 girls travelled to Ballymoney for a day of competitive rugby. The combined U14 Ards, Donaghadee and Civil Service squad came up against a very strong Ballymoney side and whilst on the losing side, there was lots of evidence of rugby skills developing across the squad.
The combined Ards and Donaghadee U16s came away with a well earned win over their Ballymoney hosts. Well done to all the girls, and thanks to Ballymoney for hosting.
The club remains on the lookout for new players for all of their youth boys’ squads. If you are interested in joining in, get in touch with youth convenor Matthew Wallace at ardsyouthrugby@gmail.com, or girls co-ordinator Jill Shaw on 07742 045798 / girls@ardsrugby.co.uk.
Mini rugby
THE mini section played their first Saturday fixtures of the season when the P1-P6 age groups travelled to Belfast Harlequins.
It was great to see such a big turnout, especially with so much else on, with excellent rugby on show from each of the groups.
All sections had a day off on Sunday and this Sunday some age groups will be travelling to Larne. There really isn’t a better time to join Ards Rugby Minis – for further details contact Will Agnew on 07763 119788 or at minis@ardsrugby.co.uk.
Pre-match lunches
THERE are pre-match lunches prior to all home Ards 1st XV league games. All players, supporters and friends of Ards Rugby as well as opposition supporters are welcome to attend the lunches, which are priced at £25.
This season, club sponsors Knotts will be providing the two-course meal and it will be served by the volunteer catering team led by Ricky Sadler and Audrey Bond.
The next lunch will be on Saturday, November 9 when Ards host Letterkenny RFC. The following lunch is on November 16 before the match against Lisburn.
Attendees are requested to be seated at 12.45pm for 1pm. To book your place, contact club president Warren Simpson on 07779 351401.
The pre-match lunch on December 21 is almost sold out.
FARLS
THE FARLS gather on the last Friday of each month during the rugby season for an afternoon of conversation, excellent lunch and the odd magic trick.
The next gathering will be on Friday, November 29. If you would like to attend the lunch, please contact Jason Forsythe either by email on: jsforsytheards@gmail.com or by phone on 0780 338 6292.
Appeal for volunteers
WITH increasing numbers, the club’s mini and youth coaches could really do with a hand.
Get in touch if you’re interested in helping out with mini or youth rugby (boys and girls), one night a week and on Saturday mornings for youth or Sunday afternoons for the mini section.
Whilst rugby/coaching experience is desirable, it’s not essential, and if you don’t want to coach the club also needs assistance with other roles such as admin, social media and catering. For further details, contact director of rugby Stevie Nutt via email:
directorofrugby@ardsrugby.co.uk.
Men’s Shed
IN RECOGNITION of all the work they do around the club, the Men’s Shedders were guests of the club at the Letterkenny pre-match lunch.
A great afternoon was had by all, good food, good company and good rugby. Buoyed by Saturday, the Shedders gathered in good numbers on Monday for an industrious morning topped off with some lovely homemade scones by Micky and homemade jam courtesy of Amy.
The Men’s Shed meets at Hamilton Park on Monday mornings from 9.30am-12.30pm.
It is the perfect opportunity for those of a certain vintage to come together, maintain good mental health through social interaction, have some physical activity and to carry out some tasks around the club grounds/clubhouse.
You don’t have to be a club member or interested in rugby to be part of ARMS – just turn up on a Monday morning at 9.30am.
Parking notice
Those attending Ards Rugby are kindly asked to make use of the ample parking within the Hamilton Park grounds.
Please also adhere to the no parking cones placed on Lansdowne Road on matchdays. The PSNI will issue fixed penalties where appropriate.
Fixtures
Saturday, November 16
1sts v Lisburn (H) 2.30pm
2nds v Grosvenor (A)
U16s v Larne (A) 11am
Sunday, November 17
Minis @ Larne/training 1pm
U18 girls – opposition & venue TBC
