Banbridge stop Ards' winning run

Ards U18s lost their winning streak against a well drilled and physical Banbridge U18s at Hamilton Park on Saturday.

A poor opening 30minutes saw Banbridge establish a 15-0 lead before Ards registered a score right on the stroke of half time via scrum half Chris Harris following good work by centre Callum O'Hanlon, the conversion was missed.

Half time: Ards U18s 5 v Banbridge 15

A halftime rallying call by coach Trevor Devlin and skipper for the day Brandon McCarten missed the mark as Banbridge again started well, slotting an early penalty after Ards were penalised for a high tackle, then scoring an unconverted try to stretch their lead. Ards U18s 5 v Banbridge 23

Ards then lost forward Kristen McNiece with a reoccurrence of an ankle injury, Ards rallied and back row dynamo Jonas Massey crossed the Banbridge line for a try, which outhalf Ethan Bell converted. Ards U18s 12 v Banbridge 2

In the closing minutes Banbridge scored a further 2 tries, one of which was converted to leave the final score Ards U18s 12 v Banbridge 35.

Many thanks to the referee, the home support and Banbridge for travelling whilst everyone else was watching the RWC Final.

This Saturday Ards U18s travel to Ophir in another Ulster Carpets Youth League match.