Ards U19s aka Ards Ravens perform well at the Carrick 7s
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Ards under 19s took part in the under 19s competition at the Carrick 7s on Friday evening under the team of name of Ards Ravens
In some cold and wet weather the Ards Ravens took to the field with a squad of 10.
The Ravens showed some great spirit in each of the fast flowing games and there was some great skill shown by all in the wet weather and strong winds.
The team led by Danny Kerr proved that the flow of players from the youth section had what it takes.
The Ravens stormed into the semi finals only to be defeated 4-2 after a few dodge refereeing decisions.
Jamie Johnson took a nasty stamp to the head but after treatment from the first aiders was ok to hit the BBQ and demolish a burger or two.
The Ravens would like to thank Carrick RFC for a great competition involving local teams and teams from Surrey and Edinburgh, the Ravens look forward to to returning next year.
TARTS 2013 tour report
TARTS go down well in Cumnock!!!
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On the 26th May The Ards Rugby Touring Society aka The TARTS set off for Bonnie Scotland on the early boat from Belfast.
The down time on Friday was filled with the much anticipated walking history tour of Glasgow giving players time to prepare both mentally and physically for the challenges ahead.
The match against Cumnock kicked off in fine, sunny conditions giving some of the players genuine worries of sunburn and dehydration in temperatures that exceeded 10 degrees Celsius on more than one occasion.
With Cumnock’s first team playing their final league match of the season later that day there were a few new faces taking to the pitch for the home team, as well as some familiar ones.
Tour captain, Paul White lead the team into the first twenty minutes which were evenly contested with both teams making a lot of mistakes as they settled but it was Ards who broke the deadlock with a well worked try, the details of which this reporter can’t quite remember.
The visitors began to assert a level of dominance as the half wore on, taking control at the lineouts and scrums.
Dodd, playing at scrum half distributed ball well and strong running from the centers of Beggs and Robinson ensured that the black men moved forward.
They were rewarded with more tries but the half time whistle was a welcome sound for many on both sides.
After catching their breath the Ards men set off once again with some great ball carrying from Stewart and Chivers making good ground and Fletcher rolling back the years to show the young-uns how it should be done.
Further tries followed which included a great mazy run by Smith who was supported determinedly but in the end pointlessly his 2nd row and a point blank try from Stewart who carried a couple of defenders over the line following a 5m penalty.
Cumnock refused to lie down and with great resolve scored an unconverted try in the corner.
This spurred Ards on further and some astute substitutions kept the team as fresh as it was going to get.
Michael Taylor made a welcome return in a black shirt at full back and Mannis had a good debut from the bench by scoring a great try in the corner after the Ards back line put the ball through hands with surprising speed.
The pick of the tries came from an imaginative one man lineout which totally confused the opposition defense, referee and most of the Ards team and resulted in Chivers stepping his man and crashing in for the score.
The match finished with the home side getting another well deserved try after taking full advantage of a tired looking Ards defense. The final score was 10 – 58.
The TARTS were treated to some excellent hospitality after the match by their hosts who just happened to be having their annual ladies day lunch.
After an evening of integrating with the locals the TARTS returned to Glasgow in high spirits but without the trophy they has fought so hard for that afternoon! Word is that it is being held for ransom and a crack squad of bikers is currently being assembled to ensure its rescue.
The Sunday match did not take place as planned as the opposition were unable to field a team at this late stage in the season, so after a team lunch in Ayr the TARTS walked, crawled and limped onto an early ferry.
The tour was hailed by all as a resounding success and thanks must be given to all those who made it possible.
Gary Aston put in a huge amount of work arranging ferries, hotels and coaches for the weekend.
The ARFC committee fully supported the fundraising efforts of the tour party allowing various fundraising activities to be carried out on crucial match days.
Tour sponsors, D White and Sons for all your home heating oil needs, Romas bar and grill and Stewart’s Solicitors kindly providing touring shirts for the party.
Final thanks goes to the TARTS themselves who have decided to go international and are sending a small delegation to keep a close eye on the Lions down under and point out where they are going wrong!
