Match Reports And Scores
1st XV – Wanderers 41 v 12 Ards
2nd XV – City of Derry v Ards – Postponed
3rd XV – No Game
4th XV – No Game
U19s – Ards 7 v 12 Rainey Old Boys (Result contested)
U17s – No Game
U15s – No Game
U13s – Ophir 32 v 34 Ards
Minis – Ards Mini Rugby Festival
Mini
Over 3000 players and supporters descended on Hamilton Park for the Ards Mini Rugby Festival on Sunday.
Hats off to Ian Caughey and his dedicated team of coaches and helpers for hosting one of the biggest Youth sporting events in the Ards Borough.
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Upwards of 700 players from age 7 to 12, along with thousands of family, friends, supporters and coaches, flocked to Hamilton Park for this highlight in the Ards Rugby calendar.
Teams from Ards, Bangor, Donaghadee, Holywood, CIYMS, Lisburn and Glasgow, competed in the various age groups throughout the day and put on an excellent display of open running rugby for all to enjoy.
Thanks are also extended to Ulster Rugby’s Niall O’Connor, who came along to offer his support to the young Ulster (and Scottish) players of the future. And also to sponsors Dave Edmonds, Spar Conway Square, Newtownards and Ian Waide from Allied Bakeries’
The event was a resounding success and shows yet again what Ards RFC can do for the broader local community.
Ards Senior Vice-President Gary Presho would like to place on record his sincere gratitude to all concerned when he said “Congratulations to Ian Caughey and his band of coaches and helpers who organized yet another fabulous mini rugby festival at Ards Rugby Club on Sunday afternoon. This was not only the single biggest event at the Club this year, but would also be one of the largest events in the Ards area.
The festival was attended by around 3000 people as some 700 kids took to the field representing six local clubs and even kids from Glasgow Hawks who traveled over for the event.
The mixture of careful planning and great weather resulted in a terrific festival atmosphere as parents and kids alike enjoyed the Bouncy Castles, BBQ, Climbing Wall etc…, and of course, the Rugby.
Many thanks to the Referees, the First Aiders, the Parents and the Sponsors who made the day such a success. Thanks especially to John Robinson of Northland Developments who has been a great help, even turning up with a mower to cut the pitches for the event.
It was also great to see the event supported by all sections of the Club, with several of the senior squad in attendance, some of the Ladies first fifteen, and a number of the Youth players who all helped out in various ways.
We now look forward to the next event. Well done all”
Youth
The U19s were defeated 12 – 7 by Rainey Old Boys in the Plate Final on Saturday, but the result is being contested as Rainey appeared to field a number of unregistered players.
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Ulster Branch officials were in attendance on the day and were apparently aware of the situation, but no action was taken to prevent the Rainey players from taking part.
Ards have now lodged an official protest with the Ulster Branch over this latest unsatisfactory administering of the Youth ID regulations and feel that Rainey should not be regarded as winners of this competition. But equally, Ards do not want to be crowned winners by default either.
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.
RBS Ulster Bank Rugbyforce Weekend Fast Approaching
We have just been advised that although we missed out on the regional prize, the Club has still been awarded a grant of £250 towards general improvements.
It is proposed to put the money to good use on the weekend of 11th/12th June and volunteers will be sought shortly!
Please contact Alan McHugh (U13s) for more details
Get Well Soon
Ards Youth Co-ordinator Dayle Jones, is back in hospital again after a recent operation and everybody at the Club hopes for a full and speedy recovery for him soon.
Annual General Meeting
Ards RFC Annual General Meeting, will be held in the clubrooms at Hamilton Park on Tuesday May 10 at 7.30pm. All members welcome.
Saturday Opening Hours
With immediate effect, the clubhouse bar will be staying open longer on Saturday evenings.
Happy hours will also be introduced at selected times and members can purchase a pint of beer for only £2.50 a pint, on production of their membership card.
For more information, please contact Steven Eachus
Fixtures – Saturday April 23
Ards 1st XV v Instonians – USL (Away)
Ards 2nd XV v TBC
Ards 3rd XV v TBC
Ards 4th XV v TBC
Ards U19s v TBC
Ards U17s v TBC
Ards U15s v TBC
Ards U13s v TBC
Minis No Training on Easter Sunday April 24
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
