Rugby: Douglas beat Vagabonds to reach Manx Cup final

Reigning champions dominate in gritty encounter at Port-e-Chee

Report by Dave Christian:

Holders Douglas moved into the Manx Cup final with a game to spare when they beat a gritty Vagabonds 79-7 at Port-e-Chee. 

The other spot in the final will be decided next Saturday (20 April) when Ramsey meet Douglas at 'The Mooragh' needing either a single point or to avoid defeat by more than 101 points.

The first of Blake Snell’s four tries gave Douglas an early lead and Wilf Hewson soon bagged their second, both converted by Luke Hyland. 

Vagas hit back via Dan Bonwick and Reece McAllister’s conversion made it a seven point game at 14-7. 

Douglas then accelerated away and two more from Snell, plus a Kyle Martin try saw them 33-7 ahead at the break.

Kyle Martin bagged his second just after half time and Blake Snell his fourth, Sam McCord then ran in from distance for the first of his two and with Luke Hyland’s conversions Douglas were 52-7 ahead. 

Shay Waterworth then struck with a drop goal and Sam McCord a penalty before the tries returned and a final flourish from Douglas saw Owen Carvin, Craig McGee and Sam McCord all touch down in the closing stages with McCord adding three conversions to his personal tally.

**

Results, 13 April 2024

Manx Cup

Douglas 79-7 Vagabonds