Match Reports And Scores
1st XV – Ards 12 v 52 Queens
2nd XV – Ards 8 v 61 Belfast Harlequins
3rd XV – Queens 45 v 12 Ards
4th XV – Ards 17 v 31 Ballymena (McCambley Cup)
U19s – No Game
U17s – City of Derry 39 v 7 Ards (Plate Q/F)
U15s – No Game
U13s – Instonians Blitz
Minis v Cooke Tournament
Senior
All for Senior sides were on the wrong side of some heavy defeats on Saturday as the current season draws to a close. Ards have a lot of rebuilding to do between now and the start of next season, and the closed season will be exceptionally busy for the incoming management as they set about the business of retaining and recruiting as many players as possible in time for the opening 2011/12 season.
Message from Ards RFC Executive Committee
The President and Executive Committee of Ards Rugby Football Club would like to announce that Mervyn Tweed will be taking up the role of Head Coach at the Club for the incoming season 2011/12. Robin Johnston will also be coming onboard as the 1st team manager.
Mervyn, who coached Ards 1st XV for some eight years, has been part of the coaching team at Regent house for the past two seasons. He has also, more recently, been part of the coaching team at Ards. Robin, who worked alongside Mervyn for several years at 1st team level, has been managing the successful Ards 4th XV, who are in yet another McCambley Cup Final this Saturday.
The duo have already begun making contact with the current coaches and team managers throughout the Club to ensure they have a comprehensive team of coaches around them for all sections within the Club. It has already been confirmed that Alan Benson (current 1st team forward coach) will be remaining with the senior squad. Alan who has played and coached at the Club, at various levels over the years, has a quiet methodical approach to his coaching and is another valuable asset to Ards rugby.
We look forward to the passion and the drive which Mervyn will bring to the Club, and the cool, calm organisation from Robin. Mervyn has already brought some fresh ideas to the table and is fully committed to the development of all our players, young and old.
Laurence Kelly meanwhile remains at the helm until the end of the current season. The Club would like to thank Laurence for the work he has done since taking over early this season under very difficult circumstances. We wish him all the best for the future and sincerely hope to see him remain at Ards as part of the coaching team.
As Ards continue to build for the future we would urge everyone within the local community to give the coaches and players all the support you can.
Ards RFC Executive Committee
Ards v Wanderers – Coach Trip
Ards will play their final AIL match against Dublin Wanderers in Dublin on Saturday the 16th April. It is yet to be confirmed whether the game will be played in the Aviva Stadium or on the Wanderer’s exciting new G4 pitch. Whichever venue is decided, it promises to be a great day out.
Ards Rugby Club is laying on a luxurious bus for both players and spectators to make the most of the occasion. It is anticipated that places for spectators will be highly sought after and that the ‘Craic’ will be mighty. Musical entertainment will be provided for the return journey
The cost of the transport for the spectators will be £15.
All committee members, captains, coaches and managers are asked to canvass their colleagues and team players and provide the names of those who are intending to travel to Terry Atcheson or Colin McLean by Tuesday 12th April.
Itinerary
9.30 Depart Ards Rugby Club
11.15 Refreshments at Monasterboyce Inn (Soup and Sandwiches for the players)
13.15 Arrive at Wanderers Rugby Club
17.15 Depart Wanderers for Return to Ards
20.00 Arrive Ards Rugby Club in time for Leinster v Ulster match and a couple of pints.
Youth
The Ulster Branch Youth Committee ruled in favour of Ards U17s v Larne result in the Plate Q/F which then saw the young Ardsmen head North to face City of Derry in the semis.
Unfortunately for the youngsters, this was one journey too many and they were beaten 39 points to 7 at Judges Road.
This Saturday it’s the turn of the U19s to try and salvage something for the Club when they take on Rainey Old Boys in the Plate Final. This season the final will be hosted by Ballyclare RFC with a 2.30pm kick-off. All support welcome.
Instonians U20s Easter Tournament at Shaw’s Bridge on Monday April 25
This is the premier tournament in Ulster Rugby for this age group and is always a most competitive, enjoyable and well supported event. It provides our club with a welcome opportunity for club players, university students and school leavers to play together for the first time.
Training for the tournament will be held at 6.30 pm on Wednesdays the 13 and the 20th of April. Following the session on the 13th the team will be able to enjoy the annual game between Ards Under 17s and Regent House 3rd XV. A bowl of stew will be ready for them after the match when the annual trophy will be presented and the Regent House 3rd xv awards ceremony will be held.
Mini
The Minis travelled to Cooke last Saturday, when they played a series of games in their Blitz at Shaws Bridge for the U9 – U12s age groups.
Thanks to Cooke for hosting the event and we look forward to more friendly exchanges throughout the season.
This week, the Ards Mini Rugby Festival takes place at Hamilton Park on Sunday April 17, for all age groups, from 12 noon.
All coaches and helpers are requested to be at the Club for 9.30am and all players should be there also from 11.30am.
Canterbury & Big Sports Labels Liquidation Sale
A liquidation sale of top branded sports wear, will be taking place at Bangor Leisure Centre on Saturday April 30th from 11am where huge savings are to be had. Everyone welcome.
Tag Rugby
Tag Rugby (non-contact) is for both boys and girls and can be played both indoors and out. Anyone who would like this great activity delivered to their school or club should contact Emma Hingston, the Sports Development Officer at Ards Borough Council on 02891 824000 or e-mail emma.hingston@ards-council.gov.uk to book their place.
Fixtures – Saturday April 16
Ards 1st XV v Wanderers – AIL (Away)
Ards 2nd XV v City of Derry – League (Away)
Ards 3rd XV v TBC
Ards 4th XV v TBC
Ards U19s v Rainey Old Boys – Plate Final (Ballyclare RFC)
Ards U17s v TBC
Ards U15s v TBC
Ards U13s v TBC
Fixture – Sunday April 17
Ards Mini Festival All Age Groups (12 noon)
All Saturday fixtures have a 2.30pm kickoff unless otherwise stated.
Please refer to the club website at www.ards-rfc.com for any late changes
Many thanks and kind regards
Roy Lawton
Ards RFC PRO
Mob 07809 557715
