Ards travelled to Deramore on Wednesday 12th September to take on first division side Belfast Harlequins in an Ulster Senior League match. Harlequins deserved their win but this was a much improved display by the Ardsmen who were disappointed with the result from a match where one or two errors cost them dearly.
The return of Jonny Wylie and Gareth Quinn was a major boost for the sqad and once again Head Coach Mervyn Tweed made full use of his bench in this match to give experience to the many young players coming through. Ards took an early lead after 4 minutes with a Paul Cox penalty and they held that lead until the 18th minute when Quins scored an unconverted try. In the 25th minute Ards found themselves encamped inside the home sides 22 metre line, but from a lineout the ball was knocked on. Quins sent a relieving kick towards the half way line as the Referree played an advantage. A kick and rush followed with the Quins left winger getting the touchdown to give them a 10-3 lead.

Ards were soon on the attack again showing patience in retaining possession through several phases. Quick ruck ball then opened gaps in the defence and Andrew Foster stormed over for an unconverted try in the 30th minute, to make it 10-8. It appeared this would be the half time score until Quins took advantage of another knock on to score a try on the blow to give them a 15-8 lead at the interval.

Early in the second half Quins increased their lead with a try from a rolling maul. Gareth Quinn replaced Captain David Graham at half time with Jonny Millar coming on for Jonny Wylie. As the half progressed and with the sides evenly matched, Craig Devlin was introduced with Nathan Burns getting a well earned break. Michael Taylor slotted in at scrum half for Kyle Agnew, following another impressive display by the young man. Michael then suffered a nasty knee injury and it is hoped he will make a speedy recovery. Ryan Mills made his 1st XV debut, with the young man making some of his trademark big hits.

Harlequins closed out the match with a converted try in the 78th minute.

the Ards squad was; Foster, Graham, Wylie, Weir, Dowey, Dawson, McCausland, Calvert, Agnew, Young, Burns, Ferguson, Parkhill, Cox, J.Beggs, Millar Quinn, Taylor C.Devlin, Mills.