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Pitchero
2nd XV
Matches
Sat 22 Feb 2025
Larne
14:30
Ards RFC - Ulster Championship 2
2nd XV
Match report - Ards 2nds v Larne 2nds

Match report - Ards 2nds v Larne 2nds

STEPHEN NUTT3 Mar - 17:22

Ards 2nds lose out in close match at the Glyn

Ards 2nds travelled to Larne on Saturday for the fourth game in the Provincial East Phase 2 League. Larne were unbeaten in their first three fixtures in contrast to Ards who have been unlucky to lose their first three fixtures. The Ardsmen travelled with a strong team. This week saw the return of vice-captain Keir Edgar & Trevor Devlin at number 8; backline changes included Matthew Peak, Matthew Warnock Adam Hughes along with senior rugby debuts for Daniel Moore & Sam McClements from the bench.

Ards started well receiving the kick off and taking the game to Larne with the first try of the game going to Ryan Gawley who is always a threat from close quarters. Peak converted to take the score to 0-7 to Ards.

Larne came back strong and built phases of play, eventually going over to make it 5-7 as the kick went unconverted.

The wind was strong but it stayed dry and the sun was awkward at times especially with high kicks. Devlin found himself with ball in hand on a number of occasions and ran well and released the ball at the right times to give Ards some good go forward ball. Larne tried to use the wind advantage in the first half and were rewarded on a few occasions with good field position, getting a converted try for their efforts moving the score to 12-7.

Ards prop Hayden Hamilton made his presence felt after a multitude of phases allowed him to break through for a converted try by Peak. The score was 12-14 at half time.

Head coach Simon Hamilton felt that the team would be well served to use the wind advantage, play the game in the right areas and try to build a lead. Peak put in an amazing 50-22 which he chased. He wanted to play it quickly and as no-one else had touched the ball he could of but for the referee blowing the whistle. Ards won the lineout but were unable to capitalise on the field position. Larne came away with the ball and through a number of errors defensively and from the referee penalising the Ards pack at the breakdown. Larne broke through for another converted try 19-14.

Peak put in some clever kicks to put the pressure onto Larne but for some good running lines and a few missed tackles Ards could have taken advantage. Ards were further penalised at the breakdown and Larne awarded a penalty within kicking distance which they slotted over 22-14.
Not discouraged and through good play Ben Cooke would get over the line for another Ards try which Peak converted 22-21.
The game ended with another Larne try 27-21.

The debutants all performed well and didn't look out of place playing senior rugby at this level.

Match details

Match date

Sat 22 Feb 2025

Kickoff

14:30
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