Old Mutual International Douglas at Hoylake showed they’re not a one trick pony away from home by turning around a 13 point losing margin to avenge last season’s narrow loss. It was all home side celebrations as a converted try after 6 minutes and penalties in the 22nd and 30th minutes consigned the visitors to 0-13 at half time, compounded by Declan Horrox sin binned after persistent team infringements.
The turnaround after half time hinged on mounting pressure from the Douglas pack and the accuracy of Bryn Snellgrove’s boot. Guy Wood crossed early in the second period, Snellgrove adding the conversion, and Hoylake wobbled when Snellgrove nailed a penalty for 13-10. A yellow card turned the wobble into dismay when Hoylake were penalised under pressure and Snellgrove duly converted for 13-13 with 5 minutes to play.
Defence then won the day for Douglas. A Snellgrove penalty shot fell slightly short from half way, and Hoylake looked to stretch upfield with possession and one minute to the whistle. Douglas rucked strongly at the breakdown and a desperate Hoylake hand trying to retrieve the situation was penalised. Snellgrove’s strike was enough to see the Manx side take the points and maintain 4th place in Cheshire/South Lancs Division One.
