Rugby: Douglas continue strong run at Birkenhead Park

Western Vikings win close-fought Manx Shield encounter

Report by Dave Christian:

Douglas’ run of form continued with a win away at Birkenhead Park in Regional 2 North West with a 32-24 victory which included a bonus point. 

Wing, Craig Martin went over twice for Douglas and there were also tries for Matty Wood and stand-in skipper Liam Kirkpatrick. 

Wood also converted three of the four tries and added two penalties. 

The win sees Douglas remain at the sharp end of the league table in fourth place with a game in hand over the top two sides which could see them as high as second place if the result goes their way.

They now have a week off before entertaining third placed Vale of Lune at Port-e-Chee on 8 November.

No joy for Ramsey at Clitheroe

With Clitheroe running in 102 points last week, Ramsey were always going to be up against it on their rearranged trip in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire and indeed it was Clitheroe who picked up maximum points with a 59-12 win. 

Former captain, Matt Meechan crossed for a Ramsey try with Adam Dempsey scoring their second which was also his second in two games.

Ramsey face Southern Nomads next Saturday in the Cheshire Bowl before travelling to Fleetwood for their next league fixture on 8 November.

Vikings win a game of two halves

A strong wind gusting down the pitch at Ballakilley Park turned the Southern Nomads v Western Vikings clash in the Hartford Homes Manx Shield into the cliched game of two halves. 

Vikings eventually ran out 22-19 winners after trailing 19-0 at half time.

Mark Young, Conor Stephens and Jack Sleight all crossed for Nomads in the first half with the wind at their backs and youngster Zac Hand added two conversions to put them 19-0 clear.  

In the second half it was Vikings’ turn to have the wind and they went one better. 

Harry Goodwin, George Antill and Zack Wickman brought them back to 19-15 before Joe Louw popped up to bag the winner which Goodwin converted.

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