On a magnificent Sunday morning (1st Sept) at 11:00am the youth of Ards Rugby Club took on their counterparts from Scotland Cumnock RFC who were on an early season tour and had previously played Malone youth and recorded an excellent win.

At stake was the 'Cumnock Cup' which both sides were eager to get their hands on, Ards to retain and Cumnock to wrest back and it showed as both teams started with fire in their hearts.

The young Ards men opened the scoring after a great piece of mauling and driving by the forwards and Ards captain Cameron McKee went over for the first of his hatrick of tries and neatly converted by outhalf Alex Gaw.

Cumnock came at the Ardsmen seeking retribution but were repelled and in fact a superb over the top ball from Joel de Pledge saw Cameron score his second try and a near identical kick a few minutes later from Alex saw Ollie Glenn score in the corner with one conversion out of the two.

Sandwiched between the two Ards tries was a well deserved try from Cumnock no.8 Matthew Anderson, referee Duncan Wallace who had an excellent game drew the half to a close.

Half time: Ards 19 v Cumnock 5

The second half opened with a great effort from Cumnock to breach the Ards line but the defence was strong and in fact turned defence to attack and duly scored with Paddy Clarke rampaging in for a score.

Cumnock hit back with arguably the try of the match as their 14 went on a superb run culminating in a score in the corner neither try converted.

Later in the game as Cumnock tired and many subs took their places, Adam Caroll scored an unconverted try from the base of a ruck; Ards finished the scoring through Cameron's third try.

Full time: Ards 34 - Cumnock 10

The game was played in fantastic spirit, with great support from touring parents, Ards parents and club members.

The Cumnock boys who were on a tight deadline for their ferry were duly fed and watered; thanks to Gary and Mark Aston, Helen Carroll, Terry and Mark behind the bar, the Ards parents and especially the players, coaches, supporters and parents of Cumnock RFC Youth.