Ards U18s playing squad was struck by illness last Saturday with only 12 players fit to play.

All week the coaches monitored the situation and in Friday evening were content to play the match with 15 players, however come kick off time at 11am, Ards had lost 4 further players.

Belfast Met matched Ards' numbers and the match went ahead, with the Met having the benefit of subs.

With Ards forwards playing in the backs, the pacey Belfast Met backs exploited this at every opportunity and were soon running in the tries.

Despite at times playing some good rugby Ards were unable to breach the Met line and the Met ran out easy winners 41-0.

Although for the second week running Ards U18s had reduced numbers, it was good for the matches to go ahead and the players from both teams get game time.

It was also great to see the return of ArdsU18s skipper Bailey Young, who led from the front and showed good leadership.

The U18s know themselves that with a full squad, who are injury free and committed to training as well as playing that they have the potential to compete well with any team in this league.