McCambley run ends

Ards 4ths 3 : 25 Ballymena 5ths

Robin Johnston reports

Ards bowed out of the McCambley Cup last Saturday at Hamilton Park when Ballymena 5th XV proved to be the stronger side.

The semi-final of the McCambley Cup was a much anticipated game between the sides and was played in excellent conditions and in a good competitive spirit. Ards began the game strongly and driving play from the pack took the game deep into the Ballymena 22. A fine line out catch by Graham Hill and a drive from the forwards produced good ball for the back line. Unfortunately, a mix up in mid field saw the ball bounce fortuitously to a Ballymena player's hands and the ball was hacked downfield. From the subsequent kick and chase Ballymena scored a try close to the posts which was converted to give them a 7-0 lead after just eight minutes.

A penalty from the Ballymena out half, M. Smith, on the 15th minute extended the lead to 10-3. Ards fought back strongly and a penalty from J D Gamble brought Ards to within 7 points of Ballymena after 21 minutes.

Ballymena were playing solid, sensible Cup rugby and it seemed to be one of those days when nothing would go according to plan for Ards. Further mistakes saw Ballymena score two more tries to take a 20-3 half time lead.

It was felt at half time that all was not lost and playing with the wind behind them in the second half Ards took to the field again with renewed determination. The forward clashes were immense with no quarter asked or given by either side.

To their credit, the Ballymena defence held firm when wave after wave of attacks from the home side tried to break through. Perhaps one or two wrong options were taken by Ards as they tried manfully to get back into the game. Ballymena, meanwhile, showed their tenacity by breaking out of defence with just a few minutes remaining to score the only try of the second half to leave Ards on the wrong end of a 25-3 score line.

The side will now regroup and must concentrate on finishing off their League campaign as there are a large number of matches to be replayed before now and the end of the season.