Match Reports And Scores
1st XV – Rainey 24 v 16 Ards
2nd XV – Rainey 18 v 0 Ards
3rd XV – Ards 37 v 32 Dromore
4th XV – Ards 54 v 3 Belfast Harlequins
U19s – No Game
U17s – No Game
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF ARDS III XV v Dromore
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF ARDS U8s v Instonians
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF SUPERB TRY BY ARDS V CONNEMARA – Almost The Length Of The Pitch
The 1st and 3rd XVs are both in league action this week when the Senior side host Malone in the USL, as the 3rds travel to Shaws Bridge to face Cooke.
Meanwhile, Cup fever returns to Hamilton Park once more when the 4th XV take on visitors Omagh, in the semi-final of the McCambley Cup. Robin Johnston’s ‘Black Knights’ have an impressive record in this competition and are the current Cup holders from last season.
The U19s were due to play Virginia in the quarterfinal of the Plate on Saturday, but have now been informed by Virginia that they are unable to field a team. Ards will now automatically progress on into the semifinals of the competition later in the month.
IRFU Charitable Trust Coffee Morning
The organisers of the coffee morning in aid of the IRFU Charitable Trust held at Strean Presbyterian Church Halls Newtownards last Saturday would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and made a donation to help severely injured rugby players with their everyday needs.
Particular thanks are extended to Ross Workman, Robin Cole, David Coffey, Terry Atcheson and family, Jimmy Campbell, Denis Nash and MP Jim Shannon for their gracious assistance in organising and supporting the event which raised a grand total of £1400, for this very worthy cause.
Deal Or No Deal
Our very own celebrity Stevie Cole is now appearing on Deal Or No Deal. Tune in to see how he does.
Photos And Videos
Thanks to everyone who has been supplying photos and videos for the website recently and throughout the season also.
This has generated phenomenal interest in our website from right across the spectrum, from Club members to just casual browsers.
To keep this going, please follow the simple instructions via the Club website and download your photos and videos onto your own profile page (this should only take a few minutes) and forward same onto the webmaster for authorisation.
Please do not send photos or videos direct via e-mail, as formats are not always compatible and attachments are not always able to be opened.
Keep giving us all plenty more to smile about and keep them coming.
Youth
Instonians have once again invited Ards to enter their prestigious U20 Tournament on Easter Monday April 25 at Shaws Bridge.
This is a superbly run Tournament and gives young developing players from both home and abroad an opportunity to show off their silky skills on a grand stage.
For more details please contact Mike Spence, Laurence Kelly, Dayle Jones or Joe Kelly
Mini
The Minis were hosted by Instonians at Shaws Bridge Belfast last Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed their run out in such a picturesque setting. On dry firm pitches, there was plenty of running rugby to be had as both sets of players from all the teams set about the task of putting into practice all that they had learned in training.
Thanks are extended to Instonians for hosting the Mini section and we look forward to more exchanges throughout the season.
There is no game this week so the Minis will be training at the Club on Sunday March 13 from 2pm.
The Ards Mini Rugby Tournament this season will take place on Sunday April 17 from 12 noon. Details on the Tournaments format are still being worked out and will be announced in the coming weeks. Any parent or guardian who would like to assist the Mini Committee in organising such a mammoth event or help out on the day would be very welcome and is asked to contact their respective coaches or forward their contact details on to the Mini Co-ordinator, Ian Caughey.
Social
The Annual Club Dinner will be held in the clubrooms at Hamilton Park on Wednesday March 16 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20 and places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Please contact Teddy Sloan or Terry Atcheson for more information.
Tag Rugby
Seventeen local Primary Schools have signed up to the local Primary Schools Tag Rugby Blitz being held at Ards RFC grounds at Hamilton Park, Newtownards on Thursday March 10 (today). Teams should arrive at Ards Rugby Club at approximately 10:00am to register, with the event itself kicking off at 10.45am.
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 March 12
Ards 1st XV v Malone – USL (Home)
Ards 2nd XV v TBC
Ards 3rd XV v Cooke – League (Away)
Ards 4th XV v Omagh – McCambley Cup S/F (Home)
Ards U19s v TBC
Ards U17s v TBC
Fixtures – Sunday March 13
Ards U13s v Newry – Friendly (Home) Kickoff 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
By Roy Lawton
