Ards Rugby Club Notes: II XV 19 v Belfast Harlequins RFC II XV 16 #ARDSRISING

A Mid-week game saw ARDS 2XV take on Belfast Harlequins 2XV away at Deramore Park. Ards won the toss and opted to play with the wind. Quins kicked-off and immediately the Ards pack settled quickly with strong carries and phases, keeping the game and pressure in Quins half, however unforced errors and multiple knock-ons saw Ards early efforts come with no reward.

The Ards pack dominated the scrum with returning tighthead prop William Dodds leading in the front row. Hooker Conran stole ball against the head, providing turnover ball for Ards backs to play their running game through centre C. Mclure.

At 20 minutes, with Ards having most of the procession, offside at the break down saw Quins kick deep into Ards 22. After multiple phases of defence, Quins opened the score with an un-converted try out wide on the wing.

Undeterred Ards restarted and with strong tackling from No.8 Andy Hassard, forced the Quins side to make mistakes and give away penalties. Using the strength of S. Robinson right boot, Ards opted for the corners. Hooker Conran maintained a 100% lineout throw and the pack mauled well, but again without reward. Halftime Quins 5 – Ards 0

An inspirational team talk from manager Tim got the team eager to restart the 2nd half.
However simple penalties in Ards half gave away 6 more points to the Quins side. Ards maintained their game plan and got back into the Quins 22. Quins went off their feet at the ruck, and Captain D. Chivers took a quick tap penalty creating a 4 v 2 overlap to put Winger S. Mckee in for his 6th try of the season. Score Quins 11 – Ards 5

Continued pressure Ards opted to Shorten the lineout, and No.9 Charlie provided quick ball to S. Robinson. S. Robinson decided not to use quick feet to beat his opposite man and instead relied on his hand-off to brush off two tacklers before making a 40 meter break, before offloading to winger Neil Armstrong to score under the posts. S. Robinson dropped goal put the Ards side ahead for the first time.

Ards seemed in control of their own fate until a lose ball at the ruck was cleaned up and passed to the Quins outside centre who broke away to score on the 75th minute.
Quins 16 – Ards 12.

With 5 minutes left Ards threw everything at the Quins side, going through the phases Ards entered Quins 22. S. Mckee backed himself and grubbered kicked the ball through. Beating his opposite number in the sprint, he was illegally tackled before he could score and referee awarded the penalty try to see Ards 2nd XV win 19-16