Match report - Dungannon 23 v Ards 2nds 20

Dungannon 2nds 23 v Ards 2nds 20

Ards 2nds made the trip down the motorway to Stevenson Park last Friday evening, both clubs agreed to reschedule this fixture, to allow the players from both teams to go to the Ulster game the following day. Ards’ search for the first win of the season continued in agonising fashion as they fell 23-20 at the hands of Dungannon. Ards started well and controlled territory and possession but lost too many lineouts when in good positions and failed to convert this possession into points. Dominant play at the breakdowns from Ards flankers Ross Sinnamon and Onisi Bakarama had the home side conceding a number of penalties, fullback Mark Banford took advantage and gave Ards a 3-0 lead. Dungannon 0 – Ards 3

Ards scrum half Josh McKee, was in fine form and took a quick tap penalty only to be hauled down by a Dungannon player in a offside position resulting in a yellow card and another 3 points from Banford. Dungannon 0 v Ards 6

Ards upped the tempo looking to take advantage of the yellow card and got their reward when winger Nathan Barnett made a clean break in midfield, scrum half McKee was in support and he moved the ball wide for centre Kyle Adams to finish under the posts, Banford added the conversation to give Ards a deserved lead. Dungannon 0 v Ards 13

Dungannon began to use their heavy pack and had frequent ball in the Ards half, but robust defence lead by captain Jonny Millar eased the pressure. Ards suffered a blow when Bakarama was yellow carded for reacting to being punched in the face which unfortunately the ref had missed. Dungannon got right back into the game with a well worked unconverted try just before halftime.

Halftime: Dungannon 5 v Ards 13

Ards started the second half with 13 players due to Bakarama’s yellow card and losing centre Taylor Ferguson with a groin strain. Ards conceded an early try. Dungannon 10 v Ards 13

Dungannon then levelled the game with a penalty from a scrum. Dungannon 13 v Ards 13

Ards were now on the back foot for long periods but aggressive defence and good team spirit kept the home team at bay. Second row Danny Patton set up a driving maul in the Dungannon 22 and the ball was released to fly half Scott Young to finish near the posts with Banford adding the extra points for Ards to regain the lead. Dungannon 13 Ards 20

Ards were under intense pressure as the game began to open up and Dungannon were awarded a try which appeared to have been held up on line by the Ards number 8 Ben Smith, who was then yellow carded for questioning the ref’s decision, this try was converted. Dungannon 20 v Ards 20

Ards found themselves again playing with 13 players but this didn’t deter the Ardsmen and on two occasions found themselves in good field position and forced Dungannon to concede two penalties, unfortunately both these penalty attempts fell short of the posts and it was Dungannon who took the opportunity to secure the win with a late penalty.

Final score – Dungannon 23 v Ards 20

Coaches Joe Kelly and Alan Benson were pleased with this performance and saw significant improvement in the team, there is optimism for the season ahead but the team needs to take their chances and have the belief to match the talent in the team.

Ards 2nds: J Miller, G Paden, C McClure, J Matthews, D Patton, R Sinnamon, O Bakarama, B Smith, J McKee, S Young, N Barnett, T Ferguson, K Adams, A Wright, M Banford.