Ards 2nds hosted Ballynahinch 4s in the Crawford Plate on Saturday at Hamilton Park.

In previous week's Ards 2nds defeated their league counterparts Hinch 5s but Hinch 4s are two leagues above Ards and were a different kettle of fish.

Hinch got off to a flier scoring 3 tries in the opening 20 minutes before Ards even got into the game.

Ards managed to put some phases together but the heavy ground and perhaps a lack of team cohesion prevented Ards from really threatening the Hinch line.

Hinch ran out worthy winners and progress to the next round.

What was great to see was the youthfulness of the Ards squad; senior rugby debuts were given to Ethan Mawhinney, Curtis Blair and Josh McBride who are all recent recruits to Ards Rugby.

Bale Tabaiwalu and Alex Hendrickse also made returns to Ards colours.

Players are reminded that Training continues on Tuesday & Thursday evening at 7pm.