The first game was in the league which Ards thought themselves unfortunate to lose, the second game was the 1st round of the Junior which Instonians won well.

A strong Ards team was selected during the week and coach Stevie Nutt had hope of a pre Christmas win, however 3 late cry offs on Friday and Saturday caused disruption to the team and much pressure to get players to fill the positions at such late notice.

With a much changed side and prop Dan Rodgers making a step up from the 3rd XV and a debut at 2nd XV level Ards found the going tough at Shaw's Bridge.

Whilst Instonians deserved their win and were dominate throughout, Ards certainly made a game of it for periods.

When Ards did get phases of play together and put themselves in try scoring positions too often they knocked the ball on or conceded needless penalties.

Instonians capitalised on these mistakes and all too often Ards then found themselves re grouping behind their own posts rather than at the half way line.

Ards only try of the game was a great opportunist try by full back Stephen Robinson who tapped a penalty too himself a streaked into the corner from the half way line catching Instonians asleep.

Those who read these match reports should pick up on a familiar thread; the seconds have been playing some good rugby this season but all too often are unable to put away try scoring opportunities, there time will come when everything clicks; coaches and management ask the team to persevere and continue to train and belief in themselves.

Ards 2nds:
A Paden, D Chivers, D Rodgers, G Burney, M Hunter, P Croan, R Mills, A McKee, G Martin, C Webster, A Wright, O Kisby, A Todd, R Scott, S Robinson.