Douglas beat Vagabonds 19-18 to lift the Dorchester Maritime Manx Cup in a thrilling encounter at Port-e-Chee.

Vagas started the better of the two sides and were 13-0 up in just twelve minutes.

An early penalty from Jonny Beckley set them on their way and when Adam Wood was dispossessed running out of defence for Douglas, Ewald Kilian was on hand to run the ball back in for a try.

Beckley converted before adding another penalty for good measure and their was a sense around the ground that the game was all but over.

Douglas fought back, however, and two penalties from Dave Wood kept them in the hunt.
As half time approached, Vagas struck what seemed to be the killer blow.

A poor clearance kick from Douglas gave Jay Kruger a bit of space.

He counter-attacked and found the elusive Kilian who drew his man and, with the help of Sam Brennan, some space was created for Mikey Olivier to score wide on the right and make it 18-6 at half time.

Douglas beefed up their pack in the second half with the addition of Martin Higgins.
This paid dividends right away.

After Bryn Snellgrove’s chip ahead was put into touch five metres from Vagas try line, Douglas opted for the catch and drive line out.

Trevor Christian caught and, as the pack rumbled on, it was sub Stu Robbins who was on hand to score and bring the contest to 18-11.

Wood converted to make it 18-13 and the home support started to get behind their team.
James Bunce was almost over for Douglas in the closing minutes and, at the other end, Jay Kruger was inches short for Vagas.

However, it was Douglas who finished in style.

Two penalties from Wood put them 19-18 in front with just minutes left on the clock and they were able to hold Vagas off at the death to win in style.

Coach Graham Atkinson paid tribute to his forwards and in particular Higgins who put in a match turning second half performance.