Douglas’ remarkable 15-match winning run in EuroManx South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Three came to an abrupt end as they went down 20-8 at home to league leaders Southport.

Douglas had the better of the opening exchanges and, after Southport lock Mike Dale got ten minutes in the sin bin for a high tackle, stand off Lee Illott potted a penalty to put them 3-0 in front.

However, Southport are a classy outfit and prised open the Douglas defence twice in seven minutes to move into the lead.

Richard Neve finished off a sparking back move on 13 minutes before stand-off Ben Swinson punched through the last line of defence for another try.

Chris Greenhalgh converted both for a 14-3 lead and Douglas looked to be in a whole world of trouble.

They bounced back just before half time when Brian Kerr drove deep into the Southport defence.

He offloaded to Gareth Hooson-Owen, who linked with John Hill and Ted Games, before full back Andy Jones popped up on the end to score the try.

Illot’s conversion hit the post leaving the half time score 14-8.

As the wind and the rain increased, the second half became rather dour.

Southport controlled the territory thanks to some clever kicking from Swinson but, by and large, the home defence held firm.

They creaked just twice.

The first was ten minutes into the half when they were caught offside at a ruck and Greenhalgh obliged with another penalty to make it 17-8.

With five minutes left to play, Swinson nailed a peach of drop goal from forty metres out to seal the win.