1st XV – Instonians 50 v 43 Ards
Ards final game of the season almost ended in a fairytale, when the hosts Instonians, held on to run out 50 points to 43 at the final whistle.
In a high scoring, entertaining game, Ards almost upset the party for newly promoted Instonians at Shaws Bridge, but in the end it was the final whistle that saved the day for the South Belfast men.
Congratulations to both teams for putting on a very exhilarating display of fast open running rugby for the many spectators and good luck to both teams next season.
Kelly Takes Charge For Final Game
Last weekend saw Laurence Kelly take charge for his last competitive game in the Ards colours, when the senior squad just lost out in a real thriller to Instonians, at Shaws Bridge.
Laurence came to Ards at the behest of our former Head Coach Cois Beukes, at the start of the current 2010/11 season
‘Big’ Cois had been so impressed by Laurence’s talent and hunger for success that he felt he could make a major contribution to the coaching structure of the Club and invited him to come onboard as his assistant.
Shortly after the untimely passing of Cois in November 2010, the Executive Committee also felt that Laurence was the right man for the job and appointed him as Cois successor.
At a time of great sadness in the Clubs recent history, Laurence did his utmost to ‘rally’ his troops during this very difficult period, with varying degrees of success.
Thanks primarily to Laurence’s commitment to the job in hand, Ards are still in AIL Div 3 (renamed 2B next season) and would have stayed there regardless of the changes to the league setup next season.
And as Laurence now contemplates his next move, there are many at Ards who would like to express their gratitude to him for his steadfastness, and wish him every success for the future.
Congratulations
Ards President Reggie Haddock would like to further extend his hearty congratulations to all newly promoted Ulster Clubs in the AIL.
Joining Dungannon in Division 1B will be Ballynahinch RFC, Ballymena RFC and Belfast Harlequins RFC who have all gained promotion to the higher level.
City of Derry RFC and Instonians RFC will also play up in the new Division 2A league next season.
And Armagh RFC has won the Junior 1 title and will play up in the new Division 2B league.
Good luck also to Banbridge RFC when they play-off against Old Crescent in Limerick on Saturday April 30, in a promotion/relegation decider for Divisions 2A and 2B.
It’s been a long time coming, but it’s great to see so many Ulster Clubs pushing on and gaining promotion to the higher levels of Irish Rugby.
Let’s hope it’s Ards turn next time round.
Clubhouse Open On Saturdays
Don’t forget that Ards clubhouse bar will be open for longer on Saturday nights with immediate effect and throughout the summer.
Drinks promotions, fun and games, happy hours and BBQs.
Please contact Steven Eachus for more details.
Joe Kelly Calls It A Day
After 10 years at the forefront of Youth and Mini rugby, Ards U19s coach,
Joe Kelly, will be ‘hanging up his boots’ at the end of the season.
Joe has been coaching the age grade teams since 2001 when he first took on
the mighty P4s.
Since then Joe has seen many of his little fledgling chicks grow into giant
Albatrosses and spread their wings in the world of rugby. (Sounds a bit like
Eric Cantona on a ramble, but you know what I mean)
Joe has been a regular feature at the Club for a long time and has continued
to promote the good name of Ards RFC whenever possible. But like all good
things, it can’t last forever.
The Randalstown U19s tournament will be Joe’s last major involvement with
the Club, though he does promise to drop in from time to time to keep an eye
on his little chicks.
It goes without saying that Joe is a ‘leg-end’ and on behalf of all your
former Youth and Mini players, the members of Ards RFC would like to express
it’s sincere gratitude to you for all your hard work and commitment down the
years and wish you every success for the future.
Lawton To Step Down
As from Saturday April 30, Roy Lawton will no longer be the principal webmaster or the Club PRO at Ards RFC.
Please direct all enquiries through the Honorary Secretary, Billy Dickson, or any member of the Executive Committee.
Many thanks and kind regards
Roy Lawton
Ards RFC PRO
