Winning start to the season for Dromore

Despite the Ards Seconds being a few leagues higher the Dromore boys showed great teamwork to come away with a 14 - 14 draw with Roger Erwin converting two Tom Finn tries. Kyle Copeland captained the team and Adam McGregor and Aaron Stewart impressed on their debuts.

The main action got underway at Hamilton park with Dromore making the early pace, which was rewarded with a converted try by Sammy Russell when he cut the Ards line from 20 meteres out. Dromore where a match up front for the Ards pack but the Ards backline seemed dangerous at times especially at half back. Next to score was Ards to level the scores and then again on half-time to take an interval lead of 12-7.

Dromore looked impressive after the break and played some suberb rugby with backs and forwards linking to create gaps in the ards defence, Dewet Bekker then scored from close range to put Dromore back in the lead after good work from Simon Beattie and Stephen Robinson who formed a great partnership in the engine room of Dromore's pack.

Ards then had a period of possession which tested the Dromore defence to the full until a blind side break from a five metre scrum saw their No 8 sqeeze in at the corner to put Ards ahead 17 - 12 with 10 mins left on the clock.

Dromore reformed and stormed after the kick off determined to regain the lead, some great breaks by Chris Brigl almost saw Dromore score through Jonny Mcknight but he was held up when a try looked certain.

The impressive Gary Hall pounced on loose ball and made a clean break, he chipped over the cover defence and Dewet Bekker outpaced everyone to get the score, Sammy Russell converted to ensure the victory for Dromore.

Coach Benade was happy with the win he said " This was our second win against All Ireland League opposition and shows really where our ambitions fall for the season, but we need to take each game at a time starting with Academy at home next week, we have a hugh week of preparation to do but I'm looking forward to selecting a team, and from the performances today from 1st and 2nds that won't be easy."