Ramsey lift Shimmin Wilson Trophy

Ramsey bowed out of the Shimmin Wilson sponsored domestic rugby competitions with a 20-5 win over Southern Nomads in the final of the Manx Trophy competition. The scoreline was a little flattering however as Nomads were in touch for much of the game and leaked eight points in the closing stages to give the scoreboard a slightly deceptive look.

Nomads took the lead in this brutal game with a Rob Keelan try in the opening quarter. Ramsey’s poor discipline cost them an early try. They were caught offside in Nomads’ half and the superb Tom Chamberlain punted upfield to give Nomads good attacking ball. Ramsey prop Dave Harding then conceded a penalty after an off the ball scuffle which allowed Nomads to edge even closer. They moved the ball left where Andy Joughin went close before finally Rob Keelan surged over the line for a 5-0 lead.

Ramsey clawed their way back into the match midway through the first half. Aneurin Pritchard stepped inside his man to open up the Nomads defence. He found Danny Turner in support and when Danny was halted just inches short, Tynan Pritchard was on hand to scoop up the ball and dive over for the equaliser.

The Manx Shield holders took the lead just before the break. Tynan Pritchard was again involved. He broke down the right hand side and made huge inroads into the Nomads half. He found Lance Wyllie with his offload who in turn released Stu McConnell. McConnell was pulled down just short of the line but Sulby Bull Will Keenan was lurking nearby and he barged over for the try. Tynan Pritchard converted and Ramsey were 12-5 in front.

Both sides went close in the second half as the game opened up. Steve McHugh, Tynan Pritchard and Andy Wilson all found themselves in the bin at one stage or another as both teams pushed the laws of the games to their limits and beyond. Nomads probably went closest to scoring when Dave Edge’s desperate stretch for the line was blocked by the corner flag.

Ramsey however began to dominate possession and territory in the second half as Nomads began to tire and a further score was inevitable. It was a credit to the Nomads defence that it took them thirty five minutes to get it and that it came from a penalty kick rather than a try. Tynan Pritchard’s seventy fifth minute kick pushed Ramsey’s lead to 15-5 and sealed the game. Nomads gamely pushed on for the two scores they needed and this left them exposed to a counterattack which let Andy Wilson sneak home for a try for Ramsey in the final play of the game.

Leonard Gerber from sponsors Shimmin Wilson was on hand to present the trophy to Ramsey skipper Tynan Pritchard. He also presented Tynan with the Shimmin Wilson Man of the Season Award, Nomads skipper Dave Parkes with the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield runners up award and Nomads Tom Chamberlain with the Trophy final man of the match award.