Christmas Cheer for Ards

Ards 1sts welcomed Malone 2nds to Hamilton Park for their final match of the year. This was a Conference League match against a vastly more experienced Malone 2nds that included the recently retired Ireland & Ulster player Chris Henry who is also coach at Malone.

Injury and unavailability ruled out forwards Matt Walker, Paddy Bond, Paul Hamilton, Ross Torney, Pete Croan and backs Aaron May, Mark McLean, Jack Smith and Conor Uprichard. Forwards Jonny Harris, Gareth McBurney and back Alex Hendrickse returned to the squad.

Ards weren't to be overawed or bullied by the larger Malone pack and took an early lead through a converted penalty by Captain Paul Cox. Ards 3 v Malone 0.

Ards extended their lead after 22 minutes when hooker Tom Arthur Donnan powered his way over for with a converted try by Cox. Ards 10 v Malone 0

Prior to halftime Malone crossed for an unconverted try, giving a halftime score of Ards 10 v Malone 5.

The second half saw both teams battle it out with Malone looking to batter their way through, however this was met with strong and organised resistance by the Ards defence to a man.

Ards on the other hand looked to attack through their backs with skipper Cox dictating play and wingers Adam Coulter & Onisi Burekama looking threatening every time they got the ball.

Ards extended their lead with a well taken penalty by Cox after 70 minutes. Ards 13 v Malone 5

Going into the final ten minutes Malone really ramped the game up and after a series of penalties forced their way over with converted try on 75 minutes. Ards 13 v Malone 12

The final five minutes saw Ards keep their defensive shape, forcing Malone back and making them concede penalties.

In the final minute and as a result of the Ards offensive defence, Ards were awarded a penalty out wide which skipper Cox elected to kick at the posts. This penalty attempt drifted just wide of the posts and bounced in the dead ball area, Malone failed to retrieve the Ballymena and the on rushing Coulter leapt highest to secure the ball and ground it for an opportunist try; Cox converted to secure a thoroughly deserved win.

Final score: Ards 20 v Malone 12

This was a great way to end the year for this improving Ards team, the emphasis at Ards Rugby has been the development of young, local based players and it's great to see players such as 18 year olds Ross Copeland and Kristian Wallis McKimm coming through; along with Tom Arthur Donnan, Alex Hendrickse, Aaron May, Matt Bell, Adam Coulter, Robert Hull, Jacob Cavanagh, Matt Neill and Taylor Nutt who are establishing themselves as senior players.