Sickness hits Ards U18s

Ards U18 squad was depleted by illness on Saturday, Ards still the travelled to Ballyclare to fulfill this fixture.

With a squad of 13 players, the league points were conceded by Ards and the match was played as a friendly with Ballyclare matching Ards' numbers but having the extra benefit of 7 rolling subs.

It was more important that the players got a game of rugby given the fact that training and matches have been cancelled in recent weeks due to the inclement weather.

Despite finding themselves quickly 2 scores down Ards certainly gave Ballyclare something to think about in the opening 15minutes, however this wasn't to last and Ballyclare took full advantage of their rolling subs to double their lead before half time.

Ballyclare started the second half again with two scores in the opening ten minutes. Ards then showed some character and rallied for the next ten minutes.

But the damage had been done and the referee blew the game early, after Ballyclare broke away to score.