Treble champions St George’s launched their Sure Mobile Premier League title defence with victory on Saturday.

One-time bogey team Ayre United gave them a real scare before the champions emerged 3-2 winners at Andreas.

A double from Chris Feeney and one from young talent Jack McVeigh secured the points.

Johnny Cowley hit two of his own for the home side but it wasn’t quite enough to earn a draw.

Nearest rivals Peel also made a winning start and were also made to fight all the way by newly promoted Michael in a western derby.

Marc Kelly had fired Peel in front but former Peel player Nick Hurt equalised to give Michael hopes of an unlikely point until substitute Neil Birchenough came off the bench to the grab the home side’s winner and end their run of opening day defeats.

The surprise side of last season, Old Boys, were beaten by a solitary goal at home to Ramsey – James Sayle sealing a good win for the northerners.

The southern derby went the way of Rushen at newly promoted Colby.

Adam Cregeen opened the scoring just before half-time and Ted Pepper sealed the win in the second half.

St Mary’s were the highest scorers of the day in the top flight with a 4-2 home success over Laxey.

And there was no doubting the star of the show.

Prolific marksman Steven Priestnal hit a hat-trick with Marc Priestnal getting the other.

Justin Hawley scored both, one from the penalty spot, for the Miners.

In the remaining game, Union Mills edged out Gymns in a close game at Garey Mooar.

All the goals arrived in the first half with Gareth Logan and Sam Cain finding the net for the Millers and Ciaran McNulty grabbing the Gymns goal.