The 3^rd’s kicked off against Ardee looking to get their season back on track. The local derby was refed by a female ref and at the end of the game both teams agreed she was one of the best ref’s they had seen this year. Ardee put the pressure on from the start. Dundalk’s defence looked strong with some fine defending from centers Mike Doyle and Aaron Mulligan. Ardee’s pressure told when they were awarded a penalty outside the Dundalk 22 for an offside. Ardee chose to go for goal and missed the opportunity. Dundalk continued to hold out Ardee attacks from the restart and were rewarded a scrum, Aidian Reilly opted to run the ball from the set piece were Gerry Smyth found a gap in the defence he looked for winger Fergal Duffy out wide but couldn’t pick him out. Ardee were rewarded a lineout on half way. Later on a turned over scrum saw David McGee pick and go. Dundalk then spread it wide were some fine ball play by Aidian Reilly and Andrew Holmes brought Dundalk into the Ardee 22. A chip over the Ardee defence saw wing Ken Coleman touch down for the games first score. Gerry Smyth was unlucky with his conversion attempt. Dundalk went into half time leading 5-0. Dundalk started off the 2^nd half strongly with a change in tactics with the wind on their backs they opted to play territory. Dundalk soon found themselves outside the Ardee 22 were they were awarded a penalty. Gerry Smyth kicked over the penalty giving the home side a 8-0 lead. Ardee pilled on the pressure knowing they needed a score. Their pressure told when they were inside the Dundalk 22 with a line out. A move off the lineout found the Ardee pack meters from the Dundalk line. Quick pick and go’s from the rucks saw Ardee cross for their first score. Ardee pilled on the pressure in the remaining minutes of the game but the Dundalk defence held strong and they were awarded a penalty meters from their line. Aidian Reilly kicked the ball into touch. The 3^rd’s are now back to winning ways and with their final game before the Christmas break going to Ratoath away next Sunday they know they need to build on this victory.