Ards 2nds avenge early season defeat

Ards 2nds skipper David Chivers leads the way

Ards 2nds welcomed the much vaunted Limavady 2nds to Hamilton Park on a breezy Saturday afternoon. Limavady had previously beaten Ards handsomely early in the season and in some quarters the same was expected.

The script was not read by Ards 2nds and right from the start Ards attacked; playing with the breeze they moved their way upfield and within a couple of minutes flanker Robert Hull crashed over for try number ably converted by centre Taylor Nutt. Ards 2nds 7 v Limavady 0

Limavady were clearly stunned and suffered at the boot of outhalf Andy Savage and a dominant Ards pack which led to the second score on 12 mins by Ards hooker and skipper David Chivers again converted by Nutt. Ards 14 v Limavady 0

Limavady then allowed indiscipline to cost them repeatedly and Ards took full advantage scores by winger Matt Neill and a lovely individual effort from Savage; the trusty boot of Nutt adding the extras put the home side in command 28 - 0 at half time.

The away side started the 2nd period under the cosh and it looked likely that it was only a matter of time before the home side scored but suddenly Limavady broke clear and some good interplay saw them score and convert 28-7.

This seemed to change the flow of the match; with the breeze and some Ards indiscipline Limavady were camped on the Ards line even though the defence was at times heroic the away team eventually crossed the line for their 2nd score which again from a difficult angle was converted. Ards 28 v Limavady 14.

Ards at this point realized that the job was not done and started to regain their grip on the game and the their efforts were rewarded when young flanker Lewis English broke through to dot down and Nutt yet again added the extras. Ards 35 v Limavady 14

Limavady knew the game was done and close to the final whistle a sparkling charge by winger McClean resulted in a final unconverted score.

Final score: Ards 40 v Limavady 14

A fine display by all of the Ards squad. A big thanks must go to the Limavady boys and to the referee for their efforts