Match Reports And Scores
1st XV v Rainey Old Boys – Game Postponed
2nd XV – Virginia – Game Postponed
3rd XV – Clogher Valley – Game Postponed
4th XV v Shorts – Game Postponed (Possible walkover to Ards)
U19s – Portadown – Game Postponed
U17s – Instonians – Game Postponed
The white stuff accompanied by the frozen stuff, wiped out many sporting fixtures at the weekend as the IRFU postponed all AIL fixtures across Ireland. Other league fixtures also became a casualty of the cold snap as Mother Nature sends us a timely reminder that winter is upon once more.
This is the second week in a row that sporting events such as rugby have had to lay idle because of the weather and this will undoubtedly have a huge knock-on effect throughout the season as club fixture secretaries now scramble to try and rearrange all postponed fixtures to the first available date.
It may be the case, as in previous seasons, that the IRFU may extend this seasons playing days to try and accommodate as many clubs as possible. But in the end decisions will have to be taken at local. Provincial and National levels to decide on whether or not certain games can be played in the time allocated, when panels will then have to sit and rule on the outcome of some fixtures in a boardroom, rather than on the field of play. Not the best option, but one that we all have to live with.
In relation to last weekend, the IRFU have moved all last weekends AIL fixtures as a block rescheduling, to Saturday 8th January 2011. All other club fixtures will be rescheduled in due course.
This weeks fixtures sees the 1st XV travel South to face Seapoint in Dublin in their first rescheduled AIL fixture of the season as the 2nds head to Shaws Bridge to play Instonians in the League. The 3rds are resting unless they can get a game rescheduled while the 4ths begin their defence of the McCambley Cup with a tricky opener against Lisburn at Hamilton Park. The U19s head to Ballynahinch while the U17s host Lisburn. Both these fixtures have an 11am kick-off time to facilitate those attending the Heineken Cup game between Ulster and Bath at Ravenhill. This game kicks-off at 1.30pm.
All these games are subject to change and weather permitting of course.
Playing Committee Chairman
Ian Wallace has had to step down as the clubs Playing Committee Chairman as his Ulster Branch workload increases. Ian has been Chairman of the Playing Committee for a good number of years and has carried out his duties with diligent professionalism throughout this time.
Thank you to Ian for his commitment to Ards RFC and good luck at Ravenhill as he continues to promote Ards interest at the Ulster Branch.
Long standing club member and former 1st XV coach Michael Spence will now take over the reigns as the Playing Committee Chairman and we wish him every success in his new role.
Gym Membership Deal
Ards RFC have secured a Gym Membership Deal for the 1st XV squad, with DW Sports. These excellent facilities in Belfast, Bangor and Newtownabbey, will help boost the squads conditioning levels and ensure their competitive edge remains high as the season progresses.
For more information on the Gym Membership Deal, and how to apply, please contact the 1st XV management or club President Reggie Haddock.
Mini
The Minis will be holding their Christmas party at Movieland in Newtownards on Sunday 12th December from 12.30pm.
This year’s movie is Megamind in 3D. 3D glasses can be purchased at the cinema for £1, or use your own if you have any.
The Movie will commence at 12.45pm and is estimated to finish at approximately 2.30pm, when all the children should be collected by their parents or guardians.
For more information please contact Ian Caughey, the Mini rugby co-ordinator
Social
The club will be hosting a Table Quiz on Friday 10th December from 8pm. A maximum of 6 persons per team please, with prizes for the winners.
The Teams Christmas Dinner Night will be held on Saturday 11th December from 8pm, so make sure you have your placed booked through your team captains for a great night’s festive craic.
Sunday 12th December sees the Mini sections Christmas party taking place from 12.30pm at Movieland, Newtownards.
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 and Killinchy 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 11th December
Ards 1st XV v Seapoint – AIL (Away)
Ards 2nd XV v Instonians – League (Away)
Ards 3rd XV v No Game
Ards 4th XV v Lisburn – McCambley (Home)
Ards U19s v Ballynahinch – league (Away) Kick-off 11am
Ards U17s v Lisburn – Friendly (Home) Kick-off 11am
Sunday 12th December
Ards Mini Section Christmas Party – Movieland Newtownards from 12.30pm.
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.
