Ards dig deep to pull out a win
Ards started as if they were on a mission to prove that they were not a push over.
They attacked from the off and put pressure on in attack and defence, this caused the visitors to give away a penalty which Jordan DePledge slotted over 3-0.
From the restart a scrum as the kick never went ten Ards went forward and kicked through for Josh Fleming to go over for a try 8-0.
With the re start inst came back at the home side with a vengeance. Attacks from the inst back row and kicks over the top to put Danny kerr under pressure but to no avail.
The Ards side took the pressure well and countered and every opportunity, with the backs and forwards linking well yet no further advantage was made.
The second Half started and inst who are known to be strong in the second half came back through their centres and crossed the Ards line. Like a wounded animal they came back bringing the game to Ards.
Once again another attack was stopped by last ditched tackle from Adam Morrow. The Ards line was under constant pressure when the ref blew for a penalty which saw jack coulter sent to the bin.
Down to 14 Ards took the pressure and forced the visitors back slowly. So slick hands saw Josh Fleming sprint 40m to score to be brought back for a foot in touch. With Ards up to full strength once again the play was fast and furious from both sides. Pressure on the visitors line saw the forwards grind and drive one way and another and a break from jack coulter saw hil over fo a try followed by the two extra points from Jordan DePledge.
Inst would not lie down and came back again with Adam Morrow showing that when he’s the last man your not coming through. Ards countered and saw some great rugby as they moved down the field finishing with a cross field kick from DePledge into the hands of Josh Fleming try.
With inst throwing the ball around and their number six playing some excellent rugby linking well saw inst score now they were up for it but would it be too late. Some outstanding attacks from the visitors were dashed by body on the line defence and saw big brother Adam Coulter sin binned for deliberate knock on. Ards were under the cosh yet held firm for the remainder of the match.
A great winning result for Ards against a team who only really came alive in the second half.
Final score Ards 20. Inst 10.
