Fortress Glencrutchery Road was breached on Saturday when visitors Sale scaled the walls and stole the points.
The game hung in the balance 3-3 at half-time with a Jonny Beckley drop goal for Vagabonds cancelling out Liam Reeve’s penalty for Sale.
The two sides continued to cancel each other out in the second half with the only points coming from another Reeve penalty which was enough to take the game.
Round two of 2026 ARA Championship beckons
Racing action back at Jurby Airfield this weekend (11-12 Apr)
Rugby: Douglas face crunch tie in pursuit of play-offs
Celts with chance to wrap up Manx Shield title this weekend
Football: Peel with chance to close in on premier league leaders
Promotion race hotting up in Division 2 heading into weekend
Conor Cummins makes late entry to Bob Smith Spring Cup
Manx rider to take on Supersport class at Oliver's Mount this weekend
Hockey: IoM Under-14 Boys ready for EH Championships final
Manx side face Guildford in Nottingham this weekend