Match report: Ards 3rds v Quins

Ards 3rds 52 v Belfast Harlequins 10

Ards 3rds welcomed Belfast Harlequins to Hamilton Park on Saturday for a lunch time kick off in order to let both teams to take in the Ireland v England match.

The match was played in bitterly cold conditions with a strong wind blowing towards Scrabo Tower. Quins started the match with the wind advantage and took an early 7-0 lead.

Ards soon got into their groove, with the forwards playing it tight and carrying well with veterans Gary Dempsey, Andy Crozier and Davy Thompson leading the way.

After battering the Quins forwards, the scores soon began to come for Ards.

Ards scored a total of 8 tries with Gareth Wilson, Adam McKee and the aforementioned Thompson amongst the scorers, the improving Alex Gaw converted 6.

With on eye on the big game, both captains and referee agreed to blow the match up after 65 minutes. Final score: Ards 52 v Quins 10.

This week Ards 3rds welcome Cookstown to Hamilton Park in the Butler Shield semi-final with a 230pm kick off.