Ophir have been playing regular rugby and are unbeaten in their Junior League winning 7 out of 7, this certainly factored in the game which was a close affair but Ophir's team work and cohesion saw them through.

Ards played towards Scrabo Tower in the first half with the wind in their faces and attempted to play running rugby with a speedy back line of Kyle Agnew, Mark McClean, Steven McKee, Oren Kisby, Andy Todd, Gareth Wilson and Stevie Robinson.

The pack of Ashley Paden, Conran Stewart, Paul White, Gareth Burney, Matt Hunter, Pete Croan, Glen Dugan and Will McCutcheon were producing reasonable ball from lineout, scrum and loose play but all too often possession was conceded by a knock on when attempting an off load or by strong tackling by Ophir.

The only score of the half came in the 27th minute when Ophir scored an unconverted try in the corner after it appeared winger Wilson had touched the ball down in the goal area for a 22 drop out, he was then tackeld by an Ophir player and released the ball thinking he was going for a 22 drop out, the Ophir player touched the loose ball down and was awarded the try, much to the surprise of those watching and the Ards players.

Half time: Ards 0 v Ophir 5

Ards regrouped at half time with the belief they could still win the game.

However, after 5 minutes Ophir extended their lead scoring another unconverted try following a scrum from which was awarded after some loose play by Ards.

The remainder of the second half was much like the first with Ards doing the majority of attacking and Ophir defending well. Forwards McCutcheon, Burney and Stewart were prominent, carrying ball well and making yards each time. Wingers McKee and Wilson were also making ground each time they got the ball.

Ards did all but score and when opportunities arose the wrong decisions were made.

Ophir then secured the game in the 35th minute, when they scored a break away try after fly hacking a loose ball through; the conversion was missed.

Full time: Ards 0 v Ophir 15

On a plus point Ards welcomed 2nd row Gareth Burney back after injury and if he stays injury free he and his second row partner Matt Hunter are certainly 2 players for the future.