Douglas promotion hopes fade

Vagabonds break 18 month duck

Douglas’ outside shot at a promotion place faded at Carlisle where they lost 25-14 in North One West.

The Cumbrians took an early lead through a Max Connon penalty before tries from Andy Glendinning and Matt Davis put them 13-0 ahead.

One more before the break left Douglas facing an 18-0 uphill struggle.

Nick Brooker struck twice in the second half for Douglas and, with Bryn Snellgrove’s conversions, they were suddenly in striking distance at 18-14.

However, a late try for Carlisle’s Robbie Jones gave his side a bonus point win and left Douglas empty handed.

Vagabonds claimed their first win since October 8, 2016 when they beat fellow strugglers Oldershaw 15-6 at Ballafletcher.

While the result is unlikely to alter Vagas’ position at the bottom of the South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two standings, it will give everyone at the club a much needed lift and is just reward for the players’ efforts in this difficult season.

Cam Inglis’ first half try left Vagas 5-0 up at the interval.

In the second half Ross Pulman and the modest Rob Martin sealed the game, despite Oldershaw landing two penalties at the other end.