Vagabonds went down 35-14 at league leaders Burnage in EuroManx South Lancashire/Cheshire Division One.
An under strength Vagas, shorn of four of their first choice backs, struggled against the early season pacesetters.
A first half try from flanker Bryan Kennaugh, plus a penalty from skipper Jonny Beckley, kept Vagas in the hunt at half time when they trailed 15-8.
Burnage turned it on in the second half, however, and soon raced clear of Vagas, whose only response was two further Beckley penalties.