Despite missing several key players, Douglas battled to a New Year win at Port-e-Chee beating bottom side Hoylake 17-10 in a nail biting game in South Lancashire/Cheshire Division One.
The visitors took an early 7-0 lead but Douglas battled back and a try from Dan Creer, converted by Luke Hyland, left the game tied 7-7 at half-time.
In the second half, skipper Glyn Hooson-Owen crashed over for a try which was also converted by Hyland, who also kicked a penalty late in the game to make the points safe.
In Division Two, Vagabonds got their new year off to the best possible start with a 42-11 victory over Marple at Ballafletcher.
Tom Gascoyne and Jamie Cooke both crossed for first half tries for Vagas with Lucas Veradi converting one.
Nick Thompson kicked two penalties for Marple to keep them in touch, trailing 12-6 at the break.
However, in the second half Vagas cut loose with tries coming from Ross McCulloch (two), Ben Sharples and Ryan Pope with Veradi converting one and adding a penalty.
Marple skipper Michael Biggs scored a consolation try for the visitors as Vagas moved up to seventh place.