Ards 2nds scored 4 tries and gained 2 bonus points when they hosted Ballymena on Saturday but as the scoreline suggests, nothing can be taken for granted.

Preparation for the game had been disrupted with a number of late cryoffs and credit is bestowed upon those who came into the squad at such short notice to plug the gaps.

Ballymena were into their stride quickest with 2 converted tries in the first 15 minutes before acting captain Phil Shields, crashed over to the right of the posts with a great score for Adam Carroll to convert on 30 minutes.

On such a hot sunny day, Ards were struggling to get their second wind, but Shields' score seemed to give them the lift they needed with only the blast of the whistle for minor infringements keeping them from crossing the whitewash more often.

At the restart in the second half, Ards gathered and hammered up the pitch for Adam Carroll to score and convert Ards' second try to even it up at 14-a-piece.

Davy Thompson then got his name on the scorecard, but this went unconverted as the strong gusty wind had other ideas for the oval ball heading skywards towards the uprights.

Ballymena then responded with another 2 decent tries, one of which was converted to get their noses in front once again.

Not to be outdone, and with the clock ticking down, Ards secured their fourth and bonus point try through Matthew Warnock, when he dotted down, far out on the left hand side.

The conversation into the stiff breeze was missed and the final whistle sounded. Ballymena had held on for a nail biting victory. 

This was a decent enough game, with everyone giving it their best shot. Thanks are extended to one and all for putting in a really good shift on the day.

Ross Hughes has really come on in the last few months. His distribution at 9 or his countering on the wing has really caught the eye this season. 

Chris Bridge held his hand up to move from wing to second row; no easy task, but he did a magnificent job in both departments.

Jacob Scott looks more and more confident as each game progresses and will soon have his name up in lights.

Davy Thompson, arrived back from Enniskillen, just in time for the second half and made a huge impression as did the returning Michael Creighton in the forwards.

Thanks to Ballymena for a good game, the match day official, our vocal support and the ever present touchline jury, all are very welcome and your support is much appreciated.

Please be mindful if not being able to make the game and try and give the management as much notice as possible so they can better prepare.

Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 - 8.30, please make the effort to attend to improve your fitness and skill sets... See you there.