Vagabonds retained the BSM Manx Cup with a tense and bruising 7-0 win over Ramsey at Ballafletcher.

Vagas had the early chances but the normally reliable Jonny Beckley struggled in the strong wind and his two missed penalties and a missed drop goal were the only real chances.

The first try scoring chance came in stoppage time at the end of the opening half and veteran flanker Bryan Kennaugh made no mistake as he crashed home from close range.

Beckley converted for a 7-0 half-time lead.

In the second half, Ramsey had their chances.

Skipper Will Keenan turned down two kickable penalties in search of bigger things but the only real chance came when hooker Peter Verral was driven over the line by the Ramsey pack but held up by a resolute defence.

Vagas skipper Leigh Kennaugh paid tribute to the efforts of both sides.

Just before lifting the cup he said: ‘Both sides gave 100 per cent and the game was always in the balance right up to the final whistle.

‘It was a big effort for Vagas to hold on at the end as Ramsey’s superior fitness was starting to cause us problems.’