The score of 54 - 18 to Queens is not reflective of the game which stood at 12 - 6 to Queens after 20mins (2 tries, 1 converted) when Ards lost Ryan Mills (playing at center) to a broken ankle for the second time this season.

This had a great impact in a game in which Ards more than matched their opposition up front, but Queens were able to capitalise on the extra man in the backs when they attacked; running in a further 3 converted tries.

Ards points in the first came through center Stephen Robinson who converted 2 penalties and converted his own try after showing great strength to score under the posts from a crash ball.

Half time: Ards 13 v Queens 33

At half time this young Ards team led by the effervescent David Chivers believed they could still take something from the game; however in the second half Ards failed to take their opportunities and convert the possession they had into scores and it was Queens who scored first with a converted try after they seized on turn over ball and went the length of the pitch to score beside the posts.

Ards replied by keeping up their intensity with 14 men and were rewarded when out half Pete Thompson scored a fine and well deserved try wide out after a great scrum by the Ards pack which saw the Queens pack go back at a rate of noughts, no.8 Pete Croan picked up and attacked the blind side and fed returning scrum half Kyle Agnew who drew his man to put away Thompson who stepped inside the last defender, Robinson missed the conversion.

However it was again Queens ability to utilise the extra man that saw them run in 2 further converted tries giving a fianl score of Ards 18 v Queens 54.

A good performance by Ards overall in which the pack of Daniel Whitla, Dave Wickens, Jonny Millar, Ian Presho, Ashley Paden, David Chivers, Pete Croan and Andrew Fletcher excelled.

Kyle Agnew back at scrum half showed he is one for the future with some of his ursts down the blind side and covering tackles.

The returning Willie McAllister, Jonny Fletcher and Jonny Millar will help the 2nds over the remainder of the season.

Training continues on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm.

Ards team: Daniel Whitla, Dave Wickens, Jonny Millar, Ian Presho, Ashley Paden, David Chivers, Pete Croan, Andrew Fletcher, Kyle Agnew, Pete Thompson, Jonny Fletcher, Ryan Mills, Stephen Robinson, Andy Wright, Willie McAllister.