Douglas Rugby Club fielded an ‘A’ XV for the visit of Leinster side Cill Dara in their second pre-season fixture at Port-e-Chee on Saturday afternoon.

The Manx side were made to pay in a first half that the visitors mostly dominated as five tries before the break took the Irishmen into a 0-33 lead before Douglas finally fired up.

Nathan Robson started to turn the tide with a smartly taken try from a chip ahead, and added the two-point conversion himself.

Will Cain began to direct operations for the home side and, when the Martin brothers - Kyle and Craig - added a try apiece for 19-33, there was light at the end of the tunnel.

It was too little, too late though as Cill Dara celebrated a first Isle of Man visit with a 65th minute score to round off a 19-38 win.

TONY WILSON-SPRATT