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3rd XV Match report
STEPHEN NUTT5 Nov 2012 - 09:02
Ards 3rds lose on their travels.
ndalstown 2nd XV 20 – Ards 3rd XV 17
Ards travelled to Randalstown last Saturday on the back of a string of good results for what proved to be a tough but frustrating encounter. The match was played in fine, dry conditions and Ards kicked off into a stiff breeze. Play was scrappy from both teams with a lot of handling errors resulting in a high scrum count which Ards dominated with their small but mighty front row of Stewart, Chivers and Busby. Ards repeatedly worked themselves into good positions on the pitch but were unable to convert any of this into points on the board. It was the home team who opened the scoring with a well worked try beside the posts which was duly converted. Ards continued to turnover possession at the breakdown and in the tackle which allowed Randalstown to gain the upper hand and add a penalty and another converted try to their tally. The visitors had to dig deep and started to show the spirit and resilience that has stood them well this season, through a number of good scrums and lineouts Ards worked their way into the opposition 22 where barreling runs by Smith and Busby punched holes in the defense before Patterson went on a mazy run, touching down in the corner with the last move of the half. Ards went into the break 17-5 down but determined that with the wind in the second half that the game was there for the taking.
Ards were much more involved in the second half, dominating at scrums and lineouts with the centres of Robinson and McClure getting into the game with strong, direct running. It was an individual effort from Aston which further narrowed the gap as he chipped through, gathered the ball and sprinted to the line, unfortunately the conversion was missed. The home team, obviously rattled increased their efforts and were rewarded with a penalty that once again put them two scores ahead. Ards replied by turning up the pressure and got into points scoring positions a number of times but a combination of poor handling and decision making meant they did not cross the line again until a couple of quick penalties saw McKee wriggle over from short range with less than two minutes to go. Aston wasted no time in drop kicking the conversion and Ards regrouped for one last chance to save the match. A penalty from the restart allowed Ards back into the Randalstown half and quick lineout ball put the home team on the back foot. From the ensuing move player and ball were bundled into touch to cheers of relief from the home supporters. Although there were positives from this game and moments of individual talent on show it must be considered as an opportunity missed for Ards.
Ards Squad: C.Stewart, D.Chivers, M.Busby, I.Presho, R.Patterson, S.McVeagh, C.Dean, B.Smith, S.McKee, R.Aston, A.Coulter, S.Robinson, C.McClure, M.Aitken, D.McDowell.
Ards travelled to Randalstown last Saturday on the back of a string of good results for what proved to be a tough but frustrating encounter. The match was played in fine, dry conditions and Ards kicked off into a stiff breeze. Play was scrappy from both teams with a lot of handling errors resulting in a high scrum count which Ards dominated with their small but mighty front row of Stewart, Chivers and Busby. Ards repeatedly worked themselves into good positions on the pitch but were unable to convert any of this into points on the board. It was the home team who opened the scoring with a well worked try beside the posts which was duly converted. Ards continued to turnover possession at the breakdown and in the tackle which allowed Randalstown to gain the upper hand and add a penalty and another converted try to their tally. The visitors had to dig deep and started to show the spirit and resilience that has stood them well this season, through a number of good scrums and lineouts Ards worked their way into the opposition 22 where barreling runs by Smith and Busby punched holes in the defense before Patterson went on a mazy run, touching down in the corner with the last move of the half. Ards went into the break 17-5 down but determined that with the wind in the second half that the game was there for the taking.
Ards were much more involved in the second half, dominating at scrums and lineouts with the centres of Robinson and McClure getting into the game with strong, direct running. It was an individual effort from Aston which further narrowed the gap as he chipped through, gathered the ball and sprinted to the line, unfortunately the conversion was missed. The home team, obviously rattled increased their efforts and were rewarded with a penalty that once again put them two scores ahead. Ards replied by turning up the pressure and got into points scoring positions a number of times but a combination of poor handling and decision making meant they did not cross the line again until a couple of quick penalties saw McKee wriggle over from short range with less than two minutes to go. Aston wasted no time in drop kicking the conversion and Ards regrouped for one last chance to save the match. A penalty from the restart allowed Ards back into the Randalstown half and quick lineout ball put the home team on the back foot. From the ensuing move player and ball were bundled into touch to cheers of relief from the home supporters. Although there were positives from this game and moments of individual talent on show it must be considered as an opportunity missed for Ards.
Ards Squad: C.Stewart, D.Chivers, M.Busby, I.Presho, R.Patterson, S.McVeagh, C.Dean, B.Smith, S.McKee, R.Aston, A.Coulter, S.Robinson, C.McClure, M.Aitken, D.McDowell.
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