The long-awaited return of national league rugby held a cruel twist for Douglas when facing Vale of Lune in North-West One on Saturday.

In response to Covid-inspired changes, the Manx side travelled to Lancaster for what was originally scheduled as a home match.

A ninth-minute penalty from full-back Luke Hyland was just reward for a strong Douglas opening, and when Bryn Snellgrove boomed a hanging kick to the left-hand touchline after a solid five-metre scrummage, left wing Kyle Martin caught and scored in the corner for 0-8.

Vale of Lune’s 75th anniversary of the Powder House Lane venue only got back on track with two quick tries from winger Cross and full-back Ramwell at the 20th and 26th minute marks for 12-8.

But they went off the rails again when ex-Vale player Blake Snell reacted quickest to a botched Vale drop-out to score an opportunist try for 12-13 at the break.

Vale right-winger Humpage scavenged a 45th minute try, converted by Ramwell for a 19-13 lead, and Douglas responded with flanker Wilfy Kermode and front-rowers Aaron Mason, Owen Carvin and Nathan Hinks rewarding selectors insight.

Harry Hewson and Niall Killey combined to force a Vale mistake that Douglas flanker Craig McGee hoovered up for a 66th-minute try, converted by Hyland for 19-20.

Judicious use of the Douglas bench by coach Tom Waterworth saw Charlie Henthorn, Craig Martin and Raven introduced, and Will Cain’s versatility prompted a move from scrum-half to centre when Shay Waterworth picked up an injury.

Douglas were still in control as 80 minutes came and went, but Humpage got a boot to the loose ball as Douglas pressed and volleyed it 55 metres downfield.

A desperate turn-and-race ensued between the Douglas cover and Vale centre Manning, but as the ball trickled across the try line it was Manning with the 82nd-minute downward pressure.

Douglas - Aaron Mason, Nathan Hinks, Owen Carvin, Seth Waterworth, Blake Snell, Craig McGee, Niall Killey, Wilfy Kermode, Will Cain, Bryn Snellgrove, Harry Hewson, Shay Waterworth, Kyle Martin, Craig Martin, Max Morley-Green, Charlie Henthorn, Harry Raven, Luke Hyland.