Back
Sat 08 Nov 2014U18Ballynahinch
22
3
U18's CLAIM STRONG WIN AGAINST HINCH TO GO TOP
Alan McHugh9 Nov 2014 - 09:16
Share via
20th straight home win for this group of players as they take a clear league lead.
In horrific playing conditions, the U18's welcomed Ballynahinch to Hamilton Park for a top of the table clash. 70 minutes of enthralling, high quality and physical rugby from both teams was the reward for both the players and the significant number of supporters who braved the elements.
Ards took the game to Hinch early on and set a tempo that was unrelenting throughout and was key to securing victory. A half time lead of 12-0 was taken with 2 tries and 1 conversion from Joel DePledge. The first an opportunist quick tap after a penalty was awarded in the red zone after a long series of phases won by the pack. The second from quick thinking at turnover ball earned out wide from the strong press defence in the three-quarters. At the start of the second half, Hinch opted to kick a penalty just outside the 22 to take the score to 12-3. Ards' final try was the pick of the 3, a magnificent multi phase move from half way against a still resilient defence finished off in style by Oliver Glenn and converted by Joel DePledge. With the clock ticking down, Ards opted to take a penalty kick at goal to take a 22-3 lead and the win.
However, the real story of the day was of a contest between 2 teams who both brought a commitment and a quality of both skill level and execution together to produce a game of rugby they will have enjoyed and learned from. The level of handling in the conditions from both teams was outstanding with good decision making and spatial awareness apparent throughout. The commitment in the tackle and the intensity at the breakdown was ferocious. It was the advantage that Ards held there coupled with a well executed and dominant 1st phase that was the key to possession and, therefore, territory. In the conditions, territory was the key to victory.
A number of Hinch players had some nasty looking injuries and we wish them a speedy recovery. Our thanks to the the Hinch players and coaches and to the referee, Scott Martin,who was switched to our game at late notice to cover and facilitated the match superbly.
Ards took the game to Hinch early on and set a tempo that was unrelenting throughout and was key to securing victory. A half time lead of 12-0 was taken with 2 tries and 1 conversion from Joel DePledge. The first an opportunist quick tap after a penalty was awarded in the red zone after a long series of phases won by the pack. The second from quick thinking at turnover ball earned out wide from the strong press defence in the three-quarters. At the start of the second half, Hinch opted to kick a penalty just outside the 22 to take the score to 12-3. Ards' final try was the pick of the 3, a magnificent multi phase move from half way against a still resilient defence finished off in style by Oliver Glenn and converted by Joel DePledge. With the clock ticking down, Ards opted to take a penalty kick at goal to take a 22-3 lead and the win.
However, the real story of the day was of a contest between 2 teams who both brought a commitment and a quality of both skill level and execution together to produce a game of rugby they will have enjoyed and learned from. The level of handling in the conditions from both teams was outstanding with good decision making and spatial awareness apparent throughout. The commitment in the tackle and the intensity at the breakdown was ferocious. It was the advantage that Ards held there coupled with a well executed and dominant 1st phase that was the key to possession and, therefore, territory. In the conditions, territory was the key to victory.
A number of Hinch players had some nasty looking injuries and we wish them a speedy recovery. Our thanks to the the Hinch players and coaches and to the referee, Scott Martin,who was switched to our game at late notice to cover and facilitated the match superbly.
Further reading
Team Sponsors
