Rugby: Douglas Celts begin Manx Shield title defence with a win

Champions earn narrow victory over Ramsey at Port-e-Chee

The defending champions of the Hartford Homes Manx Shield have gotten their title defence off to a winning start this afternoon (12 September).

In a close-fought contest at Port-e-Chee, Douglas Celts managed a narrow 24-21 victory over Ramsey in what is the second match of the new campaign in this competition.

Douglas Celts become the second side to make a winning start after Southern Nomads overcame Western Vikings in the opening match of the season last weekend (5 September).

For Ramsey, whilst it's a defeat, the scoreline is an improvement on the last time they faced Celts which ended in a 24-3 loss in the Hartford Homes Manx Cup.

That competition is not due to start until later in the 2026/27 season.

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RESULTS

Saturday, 12 September, 2026

Hartford Homes Manx Shield 

Ramsey 21-24 Douglas Celts