Douglas Handball took the spoils in the first of the new Olympic Handball “Ashes” series between the newly-formed Douglas and Ramsey Handball Clubs.

Played with full International Handball Federation rules, the two sides were evenly matched but perhaps Douglas’ longer period of playing together edged them in the form book.

A tight affair to begin with, the teams went goal for goal for the first 20 minutes with successful scorings from Ramsey’s Dylan Parish, Parker and a brace from Rousseau being answered by Douglas’ Sandor, ex-GB International Hegarty and a complementary brace from Shani.  However tired first-half legs told and DHC moved into a short lead of 9-5 at halftime.

Ramsey’s Coac , Gary Parish’s half time team talk seemed to have the positive effect he was after with the Northerners defence tightening up and the gap being whittled down to two with further goals from Dalton, Rousseau and Parker.  However, a "man of the match" performance from the Douglas goalkeeper, Syd, lifted the Douglas outfit and a quick burst of fast break goals from Callow, Taylor and Sandor re-stablished the 5 goal lead.  Further Ramsey goals from Gardieux and Dernie and some equally brave keeping from young Dominic Parish were not enough to reverse the deficit. With tired legs, mistakes proliferated and tempers rose with Ramsey’s Sharman receiving the first red card of the series for a deliberate kick on the Douglas defender Clarke.  Douglas ran out 19-11 winners and go 1-0 up in the series which takes place once monthly between November and March.  Next round is December 19th 11am at the NSC.

Teams

Douglas HC : Syd, Sandor (5), Hegarty (2), Callow (5), B.Greleweicz , J.Clarke, S Clarke, Shani (6), Taylor Cade (1), Sayer Coach Mike Hegarty

Ramsey HC: Dom Parish, Dylan Parish(2), Bennett, Parker(2), Dernie (1), Sharman( RC), Dalton (1), Rousseau (4), Gardieux (1). Coach Gary Parish