Port up for the fight in defeat

SOUTHPORT flew to the Isle of Man last Saturday to face Douglas, themselves flying high at the top of the table.

The visitors put in a sterling performance and although unable to topple the league leaders, left the island with the plaudits of the home supporters ringing in their ears.

Douglas started well and were soon ahead.

Awarded an early penalty, they set out their stall, intent on a bonus point win, and instead of taking the three points on offer, kicked to the corner.

A scrappy lineout followed, but the ball soon found its way to Carl Murray, and the impressive outside half found his way through to power over the line.

However, Southport responded well and captain Joe Mawdsley soon took the opportunity to test the Douglas defence, choosing also to kick to the corner at penalty time and set up an attacking lineout. An excellent take by Josh Critchley allowed the forwards to drive to the line, and as the attack slowed, Sam Cross added the power from the back, taking play up to the line. Quick recycling, and Southport spread the ball wide to first team debutant James Tomkinson allowing the jinxing centre to suck in the defence before Dan Whalen found space to feed Tom Peacock and the winger finished well in the corner.

The second period started with both teams trying to gain a foothold in the contest.

However 12 minutes in, Douglas doubled their lead, again from the lineout. This time it was route one, with a catch and drive before the Douglas hooker was able to ground the ball at the back, well converted by Murray.

Southport’s task was made even harder when Mann was also binned shortly after for a late tackle.

However, the 13 men of Southport still believed, and put together an incredible passage of play, taking the attack deep into the Douglas 22 before mounting waves of attack on the home try line.

But Douglas closed out a hard-fought win.