Saints stun champs

Reigning champions Rushen United know just how difficult it will be to retain the title as they were hit for six by St Mary’s on Saturday.

The top match of the opening day in the Canada Life Premier League produced the shock of the opening day as the Saints ran riot at Springfield Road.

Steven Priestnal was the star of the show with four goals in a 6-1 romp.

But it was a classy all-round team performance with brother Marc Priestnal and Martin Reilly netting the others as St Mary’s, written off by many as title contenders, showed their quality.

Furo Davies had equalised midway through the first half for the champions but when Priestnal restored the Saints’ lead a minute after the re-start they took control.

There was another goal fest out west as Peel launched their campaign with an 8-0 thrashing of Gymns.

A hat-trick from the talented Ryan Holdaway led the blitz.

Footballer of the year Johnny Myers opened the scoring with Lee Gale, Kerron Christian, Daniel Bell and Terry Rigaux grabbing the others – the contest all but over by half-time as Peel led 3-0.

A first half goal from substitute James McStay gave St George's, many people’s title favourites, a 1-0 home victory over Old Boys, but Laxey made a disappointing start as they were held at home by Ramsey.

Ashley Webster opened the scoring against his former club but Jamie Moffitt levelled for the northerners before the break.

Two sides tipped to be in the relegation dogfight met at Andreas and the points went the way of newly promoted Ayre United who edged out Castletown in a five goal contest.

Matthew Montgomery, Anthony Wray and Jason Craine earned the Tangerines the points with debutant Lee Bass and Dan Hattersley finding the net for Town.