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Happy New Year for Manx clubs in UK leagues

The three local sides involved in the English Leagues all got 2010 off to a flying start with wins in their respective divisions.

In South Lancashire/Cheshire Division One, Vagabonds eked out a 7-3 win against Ormskirk.

A heavy pitch meant that scoring opportunities were few and far between and the game was finely balanced at 0-0 at half-time.

Ormskirk took the lead with a penalty early in the second half but Vagas closed the game out with a Simon Heggs try, converted by Leigh Kennaugh.

In Division Two, Douglas clung on to win 33-29 at Crewe & Nantwich.

The Manx side led 25-10 at half-time thanks to tries from Ben Quayle, Tom Chamberlain and Carl Markle-Fearns, plus two penalties and two conversions from skipper Bryn Snellgrove.

Crewe fought back in the second half but a penalty and a try from Snellgrove steadied the ship and earned Douglas some very valuable away points.

In Division Three, Ramsey eased past Knutsford 39-8 at Mooragh Park.

The northerners led 13-3 at half-time, courtesy of a try from Aneurin Pritchard, plus a conversion and two penalties from Fintan Cummins.

Knutsford hung on in thanks to a penalty from skipper Olly Mooney.

In the second half, as the visitors tired, Ramsey finished them off with tries from Pritchard, Al Christian, two from Lance Wyllie and another three conversions from Cummins.

Rick Walker picked up a consolation try for Knutsford.

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