Ards U16s defeat Dee in opening League match

In the opening game of the new Ulster Carpets Youth League, Ards U16s travelled to Donaldson Park in what was ideal conditions for rugby. 

With a healthy contingent of players, Ards were ready for the new season after working with the highly experienced Budge Pountney alongside our own experienced Ards coaches. This enthusiasm was clear to see as the team entered the pitch to face a Donaghadee teamed, whose numbers were swelled by Regent House players, as this was the case the league points were conceded and the match was played as a friendly.

The game started with nerves on both sides with each team testing each other’s defences. Handling was at a premium and both sides knocked forward several times before Ards managed to set up a scrum short of their own 10 metre line.

Ards no.8 James McDowell picked up from the base passing to scrum half  Ryan Harris, who offloaded to openside flanker Bailey Young allowing outhalf Ethan Bell and Captain Callum O'Hanlon at inside centre, to continue where they had left off last season.

O’Hanlon showed his strength and powered through a number of tackles to go over for the first try of the day, Bell’s conversion was well struck but drifted wide. Donaghadee 0 v Ards 5

A few minutes later Ards player Coran Trainor suffered a shoulder injury, play was suspended until the arrival of an ambulance, thankfully there is no permanent damage and we wish Coran a speedy recovery.

Upon resumption of the game Ards were out of focus and conceded a number of penalties, resulting in the sin binning of an Ards player. Dee now attacked and the resulting pressure saw Dee score a converted try. Donaghadee 7 v Ards 5

Ards began to use their backline to greater effect, spreading the game to the wings, debutant fullback Paul Donnelly joined the line and showed great speed to score in the corner, the conversion was missed. Donaghadee 7 v Ards 10

From the kick off Dee kicked long, the Ards pack showed some powerful rucking allowing hooker Paul Fitzsimons to pick up just inside the Dee half, he brushed some would be tacklers aside and went over for Ards’ third try of the day, fullback Donnelly’s conversion attempt struck the upright and missed.

Half time: Donaghadee 7 v Ards 15

The second half saw Dee replace alot of their side with more experienced players and take the game to Ards. Ards were on the back foot most of second half, refereeing decisions weren't going Ards’ way and Ards struggled to make am impact beyond the Dee 22.

The Ards team remained resolute but with only a minute or so left to play, Ards were penalised for being off-side, Dee quickly took the penalty and scramble defence by Ards saw Dee awarded an attacking scrum on the Ards 5 metre line.

The dominate Ards scrum won the ball and replacement scrumhalf Ollie Mckee cleared the ball, his kick was held up in the wind but chasing Ards winger Riley Proctor, tackled the Dee receiver but was harshly penalised for not rolling away.

Dee again quickly took the penalty and bundled over to score on the corner deep into extra time, the conversion was missed.

Final score: Donaghadee 12 v Ards 15