Ards Select 17 -17 Ards Exiles
This Boxing Day fixture at Ards Rugby Club was played in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd, many of whom felt compelled to offer advice and encouragement to the players and referee at every opportunity. With mulled wine and other seasonal cheer passing along the touchline quicker than the ball was being passed on the pitch the spectators were able to stay in good voice as they cheered the gladiatorial exchanges as the game reached it’s final and dramatic conclusion in a 17 – 17 draw.
The score, for most, wasn’t that important (though one or two players seemed a bit twitchy whenever it was mentioned). The main focus of the day was to bring a lot of similarly minded people to the club and have a good day’s craic and in this respect it was a great success as many turned up to get up to date on what’s been going on elsewhere over the past number of months.
It was good to see so many Ards Exiles return to their home club at this time of year as it helps strengthen the ties with family and friends, back home and further afield.
One of the main topics of conversation was Ards head coach Cois Beukes who has undergone his surgery and is now making steady progress on the road to recovery. It’s been a difficult time for Cois and his family and hopefully he’ll be back at the helm before long, guiding the clubs teams to a more promising second half of the season. Everyone extends their best wishes to Cois and his family and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.
The Ulster Senior League game between Ards v Queens was called off late on Monday afternoon due to a rapidly freezing pitch. This game will now be played at a later date.
Ards RFC President Mr Stephen Eachus would like to thank everyone associated with Ards for their continuing support and wish them all a very happy and peaceful 2010.
Tag Rugby
Tag rugby has been up and running in the Ards Borough over the last number of months, with a good number of schools availing of the activity in conjunction with Ards Borough Council.
Tag rugby is a non-contact version of rugby union and helps players with their general skills development.
Anyone who would like tag rugby delivered to their school or organisation should contact Emma Hingston at Ards Borough Council Leisure Services Department on 02891 824000, for more information.
Congratulations
Ards Rugby Club would like to send their congratulations to Ards assistant head coach Davy and his wife Lyndsey Irwin on the birth of their baby daughter Abigail.
Abigail was born at the Ulster Hospital on 28th December and both mother and baby are doing well. Everyone at the club is delighted to share in their good news story and extend their best wishes to one and all.
Fixtures For Saturday 2nd January
Ards 1st XV v Rainey – USL (Home)
Ards 2nd XV v Rainey – League (Home) 1pm Kick-off
Ards 3rd XV v BHSFP – League (Away)
Ards 4th XV v B’Hinch – League (Home)
Ards U19s TBC
Ards Youth TBC
All Saturday games have a 2.30 kick-off unless otherwise stated.
