Ards 2nds, 3rds and U17s, all fell foul of the weather on Saturday as games were cancelled right across the province due to frozen pitches.
The 1st XV and Minis, only just managed to get through their games on the day, with yet more head scratching for the beleaguered fixture secretaries, as they try to reschedule an already extensive backlog of fixtures, building up because of the harsh wintry conditions we’ve been experiencing.
Here’s hoping the weather improves over the coming weeks so that we can build up a head of steam and get a bit of momentum going.
Match Reports And Scores
Ards 12 v 40 Rainey
Ards dream start in this AIL encounter against their mid-Ulster opposition on Saturday soon turned into a nightmare as the visitors took charge and ran out 40 points to 12 victors on the day.
CLICK HERE for 78 photos from the game
Two early Ards tries from Scott Young and Ryan Diver, with the latter converted by Jason Morgan to put the home side 12 points to nil up inside the first 5 minutes, looked to be just what the doctor had ordered at the start of the New Year. But Rainey however had other ideas and after this early setback quickly took hold of the game and went on to dominate much of the afternoon’s proceedings, running in six tries, two conversions and adding two penalties, piling on yet more misery during an already difficult season.
Coach Laurence Kelly and his management team have a lot of work to do before they travel to Nenagh in this rearranged fixture on Saturday, but with a bit of hard work and commitment from his players, might just be able to pull it all together and help settle the nerves of the Ards faithful.
[youtube C3yBQeNwkK4]
[youtube qUFpw4KeM0s]
Mini
Holywood was the setting for Ards Minis first outing in the New Year when they faced their young opponents at a very ‘crispy’ Kerr Park on Saturday. All but the U12s travelled to take part in this fixture and all enjoyed the opportunity of being able to run off the ‘turkey legs’ in the bright January sunshine.
Thanks are extended to Holywood for hosting the event and we look forward to more friendly exchanges with them throughout the season.
The Minis next set of games are against Carrick on Saturday February 5, but until then it’ll be training as normal on Sundays from 2pm.
RBS 6 Nations
Ticket applications for Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations HOME games are now on release for club members and must be returned no later than Saturday January 15.
HOME games as follows:-
Tag Rugby
Bookings for the next set of schools Tag Rugby sessions, are beginning to fill up nicely with Londonderry Primary, Comber Primary, St Patrick’s Primary, Killinchy Primary and Alexander Dickson Primary all set to avail of this fun sport early in the New year. Ards Arena is also introducing Tag Rugby into their activities on Monday and Thursday evenings in January 2011.
Tag Rugby (none 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 clubs 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 January 15
Ards 1st XV v Nenagh Ormond – AIL (Away)
Ards 2nd XV v City of Derry – League (Away)
Ards 3rd XV v Queens – Foster Cup (Home)
Ards 4th XV v TBC
Ards U19s v TBC
Ards U17s v Instonians – League (Home) Kick-off 11am
All Saturday fixtures have a 2.30pm kick-off 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
