For weeks in advance, this was a much anticipated visit to Hinch for the Champions Elect of Ards. The corresponding fixture at Hamilton Park earlier in the season was a good win, but Hinch were understrength that day themselves and this return fixture was hoped to be a great contest. However, the bugs racing through the squad that had caused so many cry offs the week before at Clogher Valley had taken a a hold on the squad and Ards arrived with only 9 fit players and 7 with varying degress of sickness. Losing Aaron Bittles in the warm up, Oliver Glenn, who was travelling only, took his kit and bravely volunteered to start. Shorn of a back row and with a rejigged backline, several of the Ards players fertilised the Ballymacarn 1sts pitch and the match was underway.
From the start Ards' lack of energy and cohesion was obvious and despite their best efforts, conceded points at regular intervals to a highly motivated Hinch team. Although they enjoyed a purple patch at the start of the 2nd half and reduced the deficit to 26-17 from 26-0, the team quickly reduced to 12 and facing 15 and their legs failing, Hinch closed the game out.
Whilst any loss for this squad is hard taken, today was a more important lesson in their development. Committing to your fixture list and fulfilling your away games in particular is not always easy, especially when numbers are low.
The U18's now look forward to the final League match of the season at home to Newry next week.