A 57-52 win for Douglas North kept them at the top of the Manx Trophy table at the expense of Douglas South on Saturday.

Carrying a three-way moniker with the fixture, it was also the decider in the excellent School of Origin best of three series, for the Jon Shasha trophy. The high-scoring clash was by no means a reflection on wilting defences.

On several occasions referee Gareth Hinge MBE had to admonish players as disagreements flared.

Up front Dan Creer, Aaron Mason, Lance Wylie, Craig McGee and Carl Markl-Ferns provided plenty of sparks, while the pick of the tries came from Guy Wood, Harry Raven and rapid wingers Kyle and Craig Martin. Only in the final quarter did North clinch the one-score margin win after South stormed back into contention.

Following lunch for 60 club guests in honour of the late Jon Shasha, ex-captain Brian Leahy presented the memorial trophy in Jon’s memory to winning skipper Bryn Snellgrove.