Ballyclare were a class act, and it didn't take them long getting their scoreboard ticking over when they ran in the first of their 8 tries, early in the first half.

Ards battled away bravely for the entire game, but just couldn't turn some good possession and territory into points, apart from a solitary penalty from the boot of Adam Carroll.

Chris Bridge played very well on the wing and in the centre. Stripped ball from Clare attackers on at least two occasions and marshalled the backs with some good communication.

Josh Robinson, at blind side flanker, also put in a good hard shift against some beefy opposition. Both he and Bridge were the pick of the bunch for some enterprising play on the day.

There was some other decent individual play from a lot of the boys, but unfortunately they just couldn't get it over the line for their efforts to be rewarded.

Ards now drop into the Plate competition, with the opposition to be drawn in due course, as we wish Ballyclare all the best in the next round if the Cup.

Thanks to Davy Michael for taking on the captaincy role, all the Ards players for putting their hands up to travel and play, Ballyclare for hosting us and facilitating an early kick-off, and the match day official.

Final score: Ballyclare 2nds 52 v Ards 2nds 3

Ards return to league action next week with another road trip, this time away to Dungannon.

Please make the effort to come along to training on a Tuesday and Thursday, and don't forget your availability for all games throughout the season.