Beaten Plate finalists at OphArds Rugby entered a team into the annual Ophir 7s at Mallusk last Saturday, a couple of last minute cry offs saw the Ards squad reduced to 9 players.

Despite the recent prolonged dry spell, the Magowan Park pitches were in good order.

In the group matches the Ards squad captained by Adam Faloon played Academy, Holywood, City of Derry, Lisburn and BHSFP.

Ards finished second in their group, defeating Academy, Lisburn and BHSFP, drawing with Holywood and losing to City of Derry.

This saw Ards progress into the Plate Final against Larne; the exertions of the previous games unfortunately took its toll on the fatigued Ards squad and Larne ran out 12 – 5 winners.

Try scorers on the day included Paddy Bond, Adam Coulter, Josh McFarland, Adam Faloon, Adam Carroll, Alex Hendrickse and Niall McGrattan scored on his Ards debut.

The team was captained by Adam Faloon, and greatly supported by the Ards touchline jury. Adam did a superb job throughout the day and also deserves great credit for getting his troops to the plate final against some very fanciful opposition.

Well done to all the players, who gave it their best with limited numbers and did themselves and Club proud.

Thanks are extended to the match day officials and to Ophir RFC for hosting their excellent 7s Festival.

Updated 19:40 - 22 Oct 2018 by STEPHEN NUTT