Ards 2nds hosted Lisburn at Hamilton Park on Saturday and were expecting another feisty encounter from their County Antrim neighbours.
The game kicked off with a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch from the Comber direction and the visitors surging into the Ards half. They quickly recycled the ball from a turnover and after a few minutes crashed over for the opening try far out, which they were unable to convert. Ards responded well and took the game to Lisburn where after some good rucking and strong carries Ards forward Fry grounded the ball at the base of the left hand upright, Gaw added the extras and Ards were up and running.
Ards began to grow into the game and 10 minutes later centre Kisby took the ball through the centre of the park with a number of Lisburn defenders falling off the strong centre, to score a try under the sticks and put the home side into a decent lead.
At the break, Ards were 12 - 5 up and looking more in control of the day’s proceedings.
In the second half, Ards upped the ante and Fry got on the score-sheet for his second of the day converted by Gaw to put the County Down men further ahead.
Lisburn came back after the restart and scored another unconverted try to show they were definitely not giving up on their efforts to get something out of this game.
Try of the day came from a solid Ards scrum in their own half. Scrum-half Curry whipped the ball out to out-half Gaw who fed Kisby who in turn popped to Smith at outside centre. Smith, who had been threatening all day, raced up into the oppositions 22 where he was hauled down by a last gasp defender. Smith had the presence of mind to roll onto his back and popped a perfect ball to flanker Gray in close support for the back-row man to score a fantastic try and Gaw to convert.
Lisburn had the last say with a late unconverted try close to the final whistle to leave the final score 26 - 15 to Ards.
A great day’s work from the Ardsmen and duly rewarded with a fine victory in the end.
Thanks are extended to Lisburn for a great game, the match day official, Ricky Sadler for his invaluable input and the touchline jury