Favourites take charge in Manx Shield

Southern Nomads opened up their Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield Campaign with a solid 46-3 win over their second team, Emerging Nomads.

Castletown, however, pulled off the surprise result of the opening round with a 20-12 win over Douglas B at Poulsom Park.

A try, conversion and penalty from Gary Stephenson put Town 10-0 in front before Noel Capewell pulled one back for Douglas in first half stoppage time to leave it 10-5 at the break.

In the second half, Stephenson bagged another penalty and, when he converted Neil Cowley’s try, Town looked home and dry at 20-5.

A late try from Ben Dutnall, converted by Mark Shortland, provided Douglas with a late consolation.

Ramsey B were just edged out 15-11 at Mooragh Park by Vagabonds B.

Stevie Cleator picked up his first try for Ramsey who added to their score via two Garry Vernon penalties.

Vagas’ points came from tries by Jason Bowden and Michael Oates who also kicked a penalty and a conversion.