Full back sends Ards into Division three final

HIGHFIELD 19 ARDS 33

Ards’ full back Stewart Paul notched the full compliment as he scored a try, two conversions, two penalties and a drop goal in his side’s historic win over Highfield to book a place in the AIB League Division Three final.

Promoted to the league proper last season, Ards will have a big onus on themselves next Saturday as the only Ulster side left in the Divisional deciders following losses for Belfast Harlequins and City of Derry this afternoon.

Club chairman Ian Wallace believes Ards can have their season in the sun.

“Certainly the weather suited us today,” he explained, “the dry conditions were to our liking, but we’re just pleased to have gotten through to the club’s first ever AIL final, and have the added bonus of being the only representatives of Ulster remaining in the competition.”

Ards stumbled to the finish line in the league proper, losing three of their final six game, but with the first day of May evidencing warmer climes around the country, Wallace is buoyed by the prospect of facing a free-scoring Greystones in six days’ time at Lansdowne Road.

“Sure we’re already booking coach loads! It’s been a struggle sometimes to play the way we’ve wanted with our last two league games against Derry and Instonians in poor conditions, and not exactly the weather for being a spectator, but it’s sure to be a great occasion next Saturday.”

Highfield offered little in response as Welsh fly-half Wayne Jarvis kicked three penalties, and converted Tom Curran's 23rd minute try.

The visitors lead 20-16 at half time thanks to tries from Ryan McClements and Michael Creighton and two converts and penalties from Paul.

Bustling flanker and senior captain Creighton got in for a second after the restart as Ards began to pull away and with Paul diving over in the right corner for a fourth, victory was sealed.

Scorers: Highfield: Try: Tom Curran; Con: Wayne Jarvis; Pens: Wayne Jarvis 3; Drop gl: Gethin Morgan

Ards: Ryan McClements, Michael Creighton 2, Stuart Paul; Cons: Stewart Paul 2; Pens: Stewart Paul 2; Drop gl: Stewart Paul