Ards welcomed experienced prop Jonny Wylie back to the starting line up as part of his phased return following knee surgery, also returning from injury and work commitment was second rows Bale Tabaiwalu and Jack Miskimmin.

Ards’ starting fifteen featured nine players under twenty one years of age including seven teenagers; a testament to the development policy in place at Hamilton Park.

Ards opened the scoring with an individual try from outhalf Ricky Aston who sold the Coleraine defence a lovely dummy and went in unopposed, Aston duly converted. Ards 7 v Coleraine 0

Coleraine reduced the lead to one point with two well struck penalties. Ards 7 v Coleraine 6

Ards’ second try followed a great break by No8 Onisi Burekama, this ball was quickly recycled and moved through the Ards back line with centre Taylor Nutt drawing the last man before passing out of the tackle to supporting centre Graham to run in out wide, the conversion was missed. Ards 12 v Coleraine 6

On the struck of half time Coleraine took the lead following a series of ‘pick and go’s’ by their pack, this try was well converted. Half time: Ards 12 v Coleraine 13

The second half was a very even affair with both teams showing great defence as the other team attacked. Ards lost outhalf Aston in the 55th minute with a knee injury.

In the 65th minute Ards centre Graham slotted over a long range penalty to secure the victory for Ards before he and the Coleraine No8 were red carded after a scuffle.

Coleraine threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Ards in the remaining minutes but the Ards defence remained resolute.

Final score: Ards 15 v Coleraine 12

This was a great game of rugby to watch and the youthfulness of the Ards team bodes well for the future.