Ards were drawn in Section 1 along with Banbridge, Randalstown, Grosvenor and local rivals Bangor. Unfortunately Banbridge had to withdraw from the tournament early on, so Ards' first match was against Grosvenor, after dominating possession for the entire first half Ards conceded a runaway try late in the half, the squad were disappointed and quickly let in another two tries in the second period. Ards 0 v Grosvenor 21

Ards had to quickly get over their first defeat and immediately faced Randalstown, who gave a good account of themselves, but Ards came good with a 19 v 14 win!

With a short rest period the now fired up Ards team went on to face local rivals Bangor...the tackling was fierce, the tries were many and the smiles were big, Ards won by 38 points to nil. With tries from Fijian powerhouses Qiolele Tuweni and Bale Tabaiwalu, captain Oren Kisby, Joel DePledge, Adam Coulter and Andy Wright all added to the tally, with additional points from the boot of DePledge.

Defeating Bangor placed Ards second in their section second, meaning they had to face the undefeated Ballynahinch in the semi final. Ballynahinch came to Ophir to win this tournament indicating their intent with Ireland 7s and Ireland clubs players among their squad, Ards started the semi final with what seemed like a David versus Goliath feat in front of them and quickly conceded two tries, which weren't converted. Ards responded well and put everything into this game and and were well rewarded scoring 4 tries. Ards concede a late try, but it was too little too late from the much fancied Ballynahinch team, who quickly departed following their 22 v 17 defeat to Ards.

The men from Ards went on to face Malone in the final, having spent so much energy up in the semi final performance the brave Black Knights were defeated 30 to nil. Ards gave a good account of themselves but their battered and tired bodies were just not responding to the task at hand.

The management team of Ricky Sadler and Ashley 'Big Rig' Peden couldn't have asked for more of their lads and after the awards ceremony, the squad departed for home a bit disappointed but still glowing from their efforts.

Squad. Oren Kisby (captain), Q, Bale, Joel DePledge, Stephen McKee, Adam Coulter, Steven Robinson, Andrew Wright, Stewart Campbell.