Sat 14th Dec, 11:00am. Lisburn RFC 5 – 29 Ards RFC
U17 Win on the Road
by Alan McHugh
U17’s overcome the weather and the opposition to register a good away win at Lisburn
Ards U17’s entered the final 3 game block of their league campaign today, sitting 1 point clear at the top of the table. No matter what, away games always have their challenges and 3 points on the road is always to be treated as gold dust.
The Ards squad tried a new pre-match routine and were at just the right level come kick off.
Despite the best efforts of both teams today, however, it was the weather that dictated what was going to happen and it was Ards who played the conditions best. Many times during the game the wind sent kicks back towards the kicker and whipped passes away from the receiver. It was a day for kicking for territory with the wind and close formation off loading and rucking when in its face.
Having ground out a win in similar conditions away to Clogher Valley earlier in the season, the Ards team knew what had to be done and adapted. Starting uphill and into the gale, the conditions allowed for few moments of executable rugby during the first half. Ards took an early lead from a converted try taken close in by scrum half Adam Carroll following a series of close drives by the Ards pack. Territory was soon gained by Lisburn using the wind advantage and they spent a sustained spell in the Ards 22, but were unable to break a well organised defence. Taking the play upfield through the hands, Ards’ patience was rewarded with a well taken and converted try by captain Cameron McKee on a great line and a 14-0 half time lead.
The second half played out in a similar fashion to the first, but Ards’ discipline in sticking to the game plan and taking their chances when the weather allowed was rewarded with 3 further scores by Alex Gaw, Danny McCullough and Joel DePledge, split by a consolation effort by the home team.
Overall, a solid performance and a win on the road. 3 points gladly taken and still top of the league made for a happy squad heading back to Ards.
Many thanks to our opposition today who never took a backward step and to the referee for an accurately and consistently marshalled game.
