Having been shortlisted for this award on previous years it was great to see the Ards Rugby Under 18 squad awarded the Ards Borough Council Junior team of the Year Sport Award for 2014, sponsored by Hughes Insurance.

Captain Paddy Bond was the proud recipient of the award and was joined by his squad mates and coaches on stage.

Through out the year of 2014 the Under18s were unbeaten at Hamilton Park, won their Ulster regional league and lost in the final of the All Ireland play offs.

Some of current squad have been together since mini rugby at Ards, the end of this current season will see the majority of the squad move up to Senior rugby next season, players such as Paddy Bond, Joel DePledge, Ryan Thompson, Aaron Bittles, Cameron McKee and Ethan Dodge have already experienced Senior rugby this season.

New Head Coach Dave Irwin can't wait to see these young players develop as senior players.

The work of Youth Convenor Ricky Sadler and current coaches Alan McHugh and Alex Hollywood has to be recognised, as volunteers they give up their time to develop these young players both as rugby layers and young men, well done to you all!