Ards seconds faced a strong Ballymena side on Saturday at Hamilton Park. The visitors started strongly and for the first ten minutes of the game Ards were totally starved of any ball possession. By this stage it was looking gloomy for the home side as Ballymena had scored three tries and looked to be in full control of the game. After some stern words from the team captain, Ards began to creep back into the game as the forwards began to turn over Ballymena possession at the rucks and Mauls. This seemed to inspire the backs who began to make some good runs into opposition territory. Ards now started to play with confidence and despite yet another Ballymena try, and penalty, they began to play with self belief and determination. For about fifteen minutes either side of Half time Ards played the best Rugby they have played this season, with Cox kicking two penalties, the Lineout working well, and good communications between backs and forwards in defence, they proved tough for Ballymena to break down. It was not until the final quarter of the game before Ballymena managed to score a further two tries to seal the game.
This was a tough physical game and yet again Ards have proved that they have the capability; if only they could produce the goods for the full eighty minutes.
They are also to be commended for their discipline and sheer determination as they battled right to the final whistle.
This Saturday the 2nds face another tough challenge as they travel to Dungannon. Anyone who can travel down to support the team will be more than welcome. Every little helps!

The Ards Team were as follows: Mawhinney, Herron, Hamilton, Presho, Barnes, McNally, McKee, Reid, Hamilton, Taylor, McCallister, Crawford, Devlin, Scott, & Cox.