Ards 2nd XV travelled to the CIYMS Sports Complex to face CIYMS 2nd XV for the first fixture in the 2nd Phase of the Provincial East League. There were a lot of changes due to availability and a chaotic week for both players and selectors.

David Chivers, Gary Presho and Neil Horner came into the pack. Matthew Peak, Michael Taylor, Harry Blaney and Conor Upritchard in the back line. With the welcome return of Ben Thompson on the wing. David Reid, Darragh Kelly and Carter Bell were the rolling subs for the day.

A dry and chilly January afternoon, perfect conditions for some competitive domestic rugby. CIYMS kicked off the game. It started at a decent pace.

A few penalties were conceded by both sides for infringements at the break down and a few knock ons. Ards found it difficult to get a foot hold and relieve the pressure by exiting their own half. It wasn't long before CI took advantage and went 5-0 up with a try after around six phases of dilligent, patient carries. The try went unconverted.

The game carried on in the same vain but when Ards did get into the CI 22 they were able to take full advantage with a bit of ruck and rumble resulting in the now famous "Peaky pick and go". He converted his own try 5-7 to the travelling Ards men.

After the restart a good passage of Ards play saw Adam Coulter race down his wing to give some good field possession but unfortunately after a couple of phases the ball was lost. When the CI backline did look to break Ben Thompson was on hand to make a superb covering tackle. CI then were awarded a penalty for another breakdown infringement and although the pattern throughout the first half was to opt for the scrum they on this occasion took a shot at goal to take the score to 10-7 at half time.

At half time David Reid entered the fray in place of Aaron Bittles. The game was restarted with CI taking the upper hand and scoring their second try of the game to make it 15-7.

The Ards defence stayed resolute for most of the game it was just a case of being able to defend five or six phases and CI being able to go one or two more. The forward pack can definitely take a lot of heart in the commitment shown to keep CI out. CI would get another converted score from a breakaway play following a period of good possession from Ards, to make matters worse Ards were reduced to 14 men following the sin inning of Michael Taylor for a high tackle. The score now at 22-7.

Play continued with Ards and CI stuck in a bit of an arm wrestle for field position, CI now with the extra man were able to get themselves into the Ards 22 but resolute defence kept them out and Ards were awarded a scrum, CI won the ball and went over in the corner for another converted score. 29-7 to the home side.

Taylor re-entered the game and Ards got some rhythm back in their play. Shortly after the same fate met CI, losing a player due to a high tackle on Coulter. Ards managed to get good field position from good carries from Gareth McBurney, Jimmy Gray & Matthew McFarland, coupled with the handling skills of Chivers and but for an interception play would surely have been taken into the CI 22, but the interception saw the CI centre breakaway and score to make the final score 36-7 after the try was converted.

A closer game than the scoreline suggests and the Ards 2nd team can take a lot from this game. They definitely showed more grit and determination and the heads never dropped. They will face Ballyclare 3rd XV at Hamilton Park this coming Saturday for the next round of league fixtures.