Douglas survive Wilmslow fightback

Vagabonds mauled at Congleton

Douglas clung on to win by two points in a tight game against Wilmslow at Port-e-Chee.

With Warrington losing at home to Blackburn, Douglas also gained a place in a crowded North One West table where just five points separates third to seventh.

Wilmslow bagged an early try to take the lead but a penalty try, followed by a penalty from Aidan O’Shea, got Douglas in front and a James Maddrell try late in the first half saw the teams turn around with Douglas 15-5 ahead.

The visitors pulled one back before Akkie van den Berg’s try, converted by O’Shea, restored the advantage.

Late scores from Wilmslow narrowed the lead but the Douglas defence held on for the win.

In South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two, Vagabonds took a strong squad to Congleton but were hit by nine tries as they tried to make their own league position safe.

Vagas take some comfort that everyone else around them lost.

However, they remain 17 points from safety with 11 matches remaining.

Ramsey went down at Birchfield but had the consolation of gaining a bonus point.

A try from Ethan Benjamin, plus a conversion and a penalty from Dan Bonwick, saw Ramsey turn around 12-10 down.

An early second half penalty from Bonwick put Ramsey 13-12 in front but Birchfield pulled away before Bonwick’s third penalty of the game secured a losing bonus point.

Defeats for Prenton and Liverpool University improved Ramsey’s chances of a top five finish which they need to sustain their promotion prospects.

Elsewhere, Western Vikings beat Castletown 35-7 at Poulsom Park to book their place in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Plate Final.

Alex Gibson’s early try, converted by Ryan Burke, gave Vikings the lead before Harry Dawson levelled with a try for Town at the other end which he converted himself.

Just before half-time, Olly Creasey put Vikings back in front with a try, again converted by Burke.

In the second half Vikings accelerated away with tries from Danny McElroy, Gary Stephenson and man of the match Burke who converted all three for a 100 per cent record off the tee.