Fresh from a 17-0 semi-final home win over Newry, Ards Ladies were mentally and physically ready for the final against Letterkenny at Ballymoney RFC. Both teams played extremely well, however Letterkenny took an edge in the first half, including 3 tries, that Ards couldn’t pull back. One of the highlights of Ards’ first half was a tackle from hooker, Melissa Rollo, which almost surely prevented another Letterkenny try. Ards took slightly longer to get into the game but regrouped and came back strongly in the second half, with a try from a very determined second row, Orlaith Dynes, this followed a successful penalty from centre Dani Boyd but was not enough to match Letterkennys 28 points.
The Try & What A Try & Awesome Penalty
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Both halves were dominated by each team, Letterkenny in the first and Ards in the second, with Ards showing signs of making a spectacular comeback after their try with increased intensity, majority possession and improved focus.
Alex McCarthy No.8
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Letterkennys experience was apparent in their handling and attacking skills, having played together for several seasons, compared to Ards first competitive season. However, Ards were the winners of a large majority of line-outs and scrums, managing to get the ball out and away swiftly before the opposition could react. The Co Donegal side appeared to tire in the final 15 minutes, allowing Ards to pile on the pressure and cause errors in handling, kicking and communication, however time was not on their side and the final whistle was blown before any more points were scored. Until the final whistle Ards maintained communication, determination and teamwork, playing a largely familiar side mixed with a couple of new faces, one of which playing her first competitive match and another her second.
Ards President Gary Presho
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Given Ards’ recent league form, including a 56-0 victory against Malone, Letterkenny will have to be on top form when they visit Hamilton Park next month.
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