Last Saturday saw Ards 1sts on the road to Monaghan for their penultimate Championship 2 league match of the season. For Ards, it was a must win in order to remain in contention for promotion. Although the home side were already relegated due to a points deduction for player registration issues, they have always been a tough side to face away. There were some changes on the day, with Danny McCullough stepping in at prop, Angus Christie at fly half and Jack Smith starting at fullback.

The match started in good weather, but with a heavy pitch and after brief opening exchanges, Ards won a scrum in their own half. A set move saw captain Robbie Johnston split the home backline and run 80 metres to score in the corner for a 0-5 lead.

Monaghan had a foray into the Ards 22 with one up runners and pick & go moves, but the Ards defence held firm and Ards were swiftly into the home 22. After several attempts and with the first quarter ending, a scrum was won on the home 22. A smart chip by Angus Christie against a rushing defence was gathered by Aaron May to score under the posts, Joel De'Pledge added the conversion. Monaghan 0 - 12 Ards.

Despite this good start, Ards’ play was erratic, with the long journey still to be run off. Monaghan resumed their pick and go tactics and a lack of defensive intensity saw a try conceded and the lead reduced to 7-12.

A yellow card shortly after and lack lustre defence saw Ards struggle to control the game and concede two further tries to go into the break 19-12 down.

The coaching team did not mince their words at half time and a different Ards emerged after the break to score 36 unanswered points. Jack Smith & Ethan Bell found their form in the backline and line breaks brought Ards close. Destructive defensive scrummaging from the pack and carries from Tom-Arthur Donnan & Matthew Bell earned a good overlap to the left. Good hands found De'Pledge to take the try and a score of 19-17.

Straight from the restart, Ards went wide and released Smith to outpace the cover defence and score under the posts. Angus Christie's conversion gave the lead back at 19-24.

With the substitutes all introduced, Ards were soon back in possession and a quick tap penalty saw the ball go wide again to Smith on half way, to run in another good score for 19-29.

The Ards defence was tested after the restart, but was uncompromising. Winning a turnover, the ball was released and Ethan Bell was outdone by a fine tap tackle, just as he seemed to be certain to score. A scrum won on the home 22 saw the ball moved wide, with Rory Christie connecting to the pass to run through for a try. Monaghan 19 - 34 Ards.

From the restart, the ball was moved wide again, with Johnston's line break bringing him close before passing inside to the tracking May to take his second try. Angus Christie's conversion was good for a lead of 19-41.

Ards were soon back in the Monaghan half, however were dealt a blow, losing scrum half Shay Duckett to injury. Play resumed with the pack working the ball, carries from Curtis Ewing & Donnan were followed by a smart inside pass to McCullough, for him to crash over for a try. Angus Christie added the conversion for 19-48 and the game ended soon after.

Ards remain in second place and with the league leaders only managing a draw, the deficit is cut to three points, with all to play for in the final league match at home to City Of Derry on 21st March. All support is very much welcome.