Douglas (I.O.M.) RFC

Never for the feint hearted, a Vagabonds v Douglas local derby usually brings out the best. This Manx Shield contest was no exception at Ballafletcher and also highlighted the strength of Manx rugby with two second XV's in full-on battle.  Douglas Celts set out their stall withMax Morley-Green firing off a string of passes along a young backline including Lilo Hene and Richard Menzil, but Vagas Johnny Beckley made them pay for errors with kicks to the touchline. Celts Charlie Henthornrescued a tricky situation deep in Celts territory after Beckley pinned the visitors back, and then produced a shimmying, blistering run to put Celts on the attack. Scrum-half James Clarke brought him down short, but Celts re-cycled for Jean Burl to crash over and Rory Kneale convert for 0-7. Vagas Mark Venables pulled the strings at number 10 to bring Arno Cruywagen bulldozing through the centre, but Celts held firm with Bradley Martin tackling above his weight and Kneale carving open opportunities to counter. Celts mighty player coach Sebastien Jeanneau and prop Ben Dutnall were injured and replaced, and Beckley used the breeze to pin Celts back. When Vagas Brett Burton was carded and Celts took their foot off the gas, Liam Kinley and Cruywagen scored Vagas tries after good support work and Beckley footwork for 10-7. Econ Bell off the bench for Vagas steadied their lead, but Martin popped up on the left wing for Celts to score wide out, Kneale's conversion for 10-14 raising the roof. Vagas came again and Celts needed every one of Man of The Match Henthorn's tackle count at full-back for skipper Mark Shortland to take the points back to Port-e-Chee.