Ards were missing two regular front row players (another 4 were unavailable due to injury) when arriving at Rainey, Ards requested uncontested scrums from the start of the game to ensure that 30 players got a game of rugby, the Rainey coach and the referee were in total agreement.

With the game conceded, the Ards players were determined to put in a good performance.

The Ards pack consisted of seven back row forwards making up the scrum along with loose head prop Ashley Peden.

The pitch at Hatrick Park was in surprisingly good condition considering all the recent heavy rain and both teams ran the ball at every opportunity.

Rainey started well playing with the wind and kept Ards in their half for long periods, there was some excellent defensive work from captain Chris Beacom and young Jack Coulter who both made crucial turnovers at the breakdown.

Intelligent play from returning fly half George Shaw relieved the pressure, however Ards found it difficult to secure ball from the lineout with no recognised hooker or second row and this was costing them possession.

Rainey's first try came from a crash ball in the midfield which was well held up with a big tackle from Chris Webster but the ball was moved wide and their winger finished in the corner for a unconverted try.

Rainey followed this up with a second try from a driving maul at a lineout which they drove over the Ards try line.

Ards began to get a foothold in the Rainey half with Shaw controlling the game. Ards were unlucky not to score after sustained pressure on the Rainey try line on two occasions the ball was held up from Adrian Dodd and Neil Young.

Half time: Rainey 12 v Ards 0

Ards were soon on the offensive in the second half with the wind behind them, dominating
possession and territory.

Sam McVeigh, who was having a good game, drove play into the Rainey 22 after a series of pick and goes Ards were awarded a penalty they declined the 3 pointer and took the scrum, Ards No 8 Ryan Yates was again just held up on the line.

Rainey managed to clear and Ards again lost the lineout and the chance was gone.

Ards were playing open rugby with all 15 players getting on the ball, Andy Wright was assured at fullback and gathered any high balls.

For all the play and possession they in the second half Ards could not break down the well organised Rainey defence and were taught a lesson in taking your chances when Rainey scored a try in the last play of the match.

Ards 2nds: A.Peden, S.McVeigh, B.Laird, N.Young, J.Coulter, A.Dodd, R.Yates, C.Beacom, S.McKee, G.Shaw, M.Aiken, S.Robinson, C.Webster, R.Smith, A.Wright