In the match of the day last season's Grand Slam winners Laxey defeated Gymns 6-2 at Tromode, with a hat-trick from Lee Cowley and further goals from Lee Brogan, Carl Barks and Ross Williams. Leaders St George's and second placed Peel had the weekend off and Laxey made the most of the opportunity to make up ground in the battle to retain their trophy.
In the big northern derby Ramsey took the lead against Ayre through Ben Harding, but Steven Parish equalised late on to give the Andreas side a share of the points.
St John's hit three in the first 20 minutes against Braddan, with Liam Harrison and Wayne Lisey among the scorers. Their opponents pulled two back, both from Will Smith, but the Westerners managed to hold on for three valuable points in the fight to avoid relegation.
Rushen had a comfortable victory, under new manager Richard Watterson. They beat bottom of the table Marown 5-0, with goals from Andy Moody (2), Neil Curphy, Steve Riding and Island international Paul Jones.
In division two second placed Corinthians scored four goals in the first nine minutes to build an unassailable lead away to fourth placed Pulrose. The men on target were the division's top scorer Stevie Glover, who hit one of Manx football's fastest ever hat-tricks (all three in the first nine minutes), Jamie Stoy (2), David Bignall, 15 year old Lewis Thornton and Bret Armitage with a superb 25 yard strike.
But top of the table Old Boys went one better, scoring nine against Ronaldsway, who managed two in reply. Old Boys' scorers were Sean Gavin with four, Robbie Ward (2), Matthew Entwistle, Kenny McGee and Gary Quirk.
Third placed Michael won 3-0 at Castletown with goals from Richard Crowe (2) and Jamie Moffatt.
There were also wins for Foxdale, who beat Douglas and District 5-2, and Malew who defeated Jurby 6-2. The points were shared by Police and Onchan (1-1) and Ramsey Youth Centre came from two goals behind to draw 3-3 with Colby.
Combination division one leaders Peel and second placed Laxey had comfortable victories over St Mary's and Gymns respectively. Third placed Rushen kept up their challenge at the top.
In combination division two leaders Corinthians beat Pulrose 5-2 and second placed Old Boys had a 3-2 home win over Ronaldsway.