Rugby: Entertainment aplenty in festive fixtures

Numerous charities to benefit from Boxing Day outings

Report by Dave Christian:

The usual Boxing Day festivities began at Poulsom Park where a Castletown Captain’s side beat the Castletown President’s side 54-52 in the annual Chris Scott memorial match.

Western Viking Jack Goodwin stepped up at the last minute to referee the game and brought a unique, “distant” style to officiating that encouraged plenty of ball in play. Central to proceedings was young Kyle Martin, whose unique pace and limited port content allowed him to run in an impressive six tries which included three for each team. Club stalwart Paul Drake also distinguished himself, rolling back the decades to run in a brace.

Money raised from donations will be split between Hospice Isle of Man and the Encephalitis Society.

Just down the road at Ballakilley Park rugby was the only winner on the day when Southern Nomads annual Under 30 v Over 30 game ended in a 22-22 draw.

George Callister put the Unders ahead early on but Jack Sleight levelled for the overs. Joe Corkish then retook the lead for the Unders before big Ste McHugh celebrated his birthday to level the scores once again before converting his own try to put the Overs 12-10 in front at half time. Sami Benbatoul crossed for the Unders early in the second half and he too converted his own try to put his side 17-12 ahead. Tom de Kok then levelled for the Overs to set up a grandstand finish.

Django Kinley looked to have sealed it for the Unders with a try close to then before birthday boy McHugh crashed in for his second and left him with a conversion to win the match. He showed the Ballakilley crowd that his first kick was, as many suspected, a total fluke and the game ended all square.

No details from Ballafletcher other than the Farmers won the Paul Clelland Memorial match and the exceptionally generous crowd managed to raise £800 under the stewardship of the incomparable Jim Nicholson. The money will be added to the proceeds of the Jim Nicholson front row game on New Years Day and donated to this year’s chosen charity MS Society Isle of Man.

The annual front row frolics will take place at Mooragh Park, Ramsey on Sunday 1^st Jan kicking off at 3.00pm. While the fixture is intended to be played in a touch rugby format, everyone will be welcome and any players wishing to play are guaranteed to get a run out.

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Fixtures (Sunday, 1 January)

Jim Nicholson Front Row XV v Vagabonds Ladies @ Mooragh Park ko 3.00pm