Ramsey were crowned Canada Life Combination One league champions on Wednesday evening.

Croit Lowey has been the place where the Combination One title has been presented on a number of occasions over the years, with Rushen United being one of the dominant forces at this level in recent seasons.

But more recently it has also been presented to Corinthians (2021) and on Tuesday evening it was Ramsey who lifted the trophy for the second time in three years.

The match was more of a formality – the real contest will happen this coming Sunday when the two sides will contest the Junior Cup semi-finals at Ballacloan Stadium where the seasoned campaigners and the new kids on the block in combination honours will yet again come face-to-face for the remaining piece of silverware.

Rushen started Wednesday’s match the brighter of the two teams as Ramsey goalkeeper Nathan Bate had to be alert to deny Ryan Crawley’s strike and a Stephen Riding free-kick.

But the Spaniards found the breakthrough on 14 minutes when Andrew Blake’s cross from the right reached Jordan Watterson who headed home into the net to make it 1-0 to the southerners.

Ramsey responded with a few efforts which sailed over the target, but Rushen maintained their slender lead heading into the interval.

The hosts doubled their lead on 58 minutes when Riding’s drive was deflected nicely into the path of Fingal Watterson who smashed home from six yards.

The northerners went close to reducing the deficit when Ryan Kelly’s effort hit the crossbar.

But on 79 minutes Rushen found the back of the net again when Riding’s cross-shot from the left beat the goalkeeper’s outstretched arm before landing in the goal to make it 3-0.

Ramsey found the net two minutes later to grab a consolation when Jason Craine’s cross reached Oscar Aygun who directed his header into the roof of the net and ensure the game ended 3-1 to Rushen.

When referee Peter Greenhill blew his whistle for full-time, bringing to a close both sides’ league campaign, Isle of Man FA vice-president Shaun Gritton congratulated Ramsey AFC, placing on record the hard work put in by the players over the season to achieve this success.

The competition’s sponsor, Canada Life, was represented by Stephen Watterson who presented medals to the players and the trophy to Ramsey captain Carlo Craig who started the northern celebrations.

- Elsewhere in Canada Life Combination One on Wednesday evening, DHSOB ended their campaign with a 5-2 victory over Ayre United in Andreas.

The Blackberry Lane raced into a 2-0 lead at half-time before increasing the advantage to 4-0 in the second half.

Ayre then briefly threatened to pull off an unlikely comeback when substitute Daniel Kelly netted twice late on to halve the deficit, but another Old Boys goal sealed the win for the visitors.

No details of the DHSOB scorers had been received at the time of going to press.

There was a memorable night for Pulrose United on Wednesday evening when the Reds’ second string were crowned Ardern and Druggan Combination Two champions.

Pully recorded a 4-2 victory over Castletown to clinch the title, their first combi silverware in 26 years.

A full report and photos will appear in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner, on sale Tuesday morning.