Laxey and Rushen United were the big winners as the Sure Mobile Premier League got off to a flyer on Saturday.

The Miners came from behind to defeat champions St George’s 3-2 at Glen Road.

Chris Melly had given the Geordies a half-time lead.

But the Miners ended a long run of defeats against the champions and scored three times in the second half with substitute Lee Cowley equalising before Danny Kewley and Jamie Clague put them into a comfortable lead.

Chris Bass junior pulled one back but Laxey – who were beaten by St George’s in the Hospital Cup Final in May (the final match of last season) – were not to be denied.

It was an identical scoreline at Croit Lowey as Rushen United defeated last year’s runners-up Peel.
Johnny Myers put the westerners in front after just eight minutes.

But two classy finishes from Justin Hawley and Josh Kelly turned the match in Rushen’s favour and Aaron Hawley extended their lead early in the second half.

Peel’s Belgian forward Terry-John Rigo marked his debut by pulling one back two minutes from time but the points went to Rushen.

Elsewhere, Old Boys were victors over battling Ramsey but they had to overturn a half-time deficit.
Goals from Alex Dodrell and Steve Cleator had given the visitors a 2-1 half-time lead.

But a Craig Stewart double, plus goals from Dean France and Darren Hudgeon, ensured the FA Cup holders launched their league campaign successfully.

Newly promoted St John’s began life in the Sure Mobile Premier League in emphatic fashion.

They won 5-1 at weakened Union Mills, courtesy of Mark Wolfenden (two), Andy Chadwick, new signing Callum Gallagher and Mike Peace.

A Ciaran McNulty double and a Daniel Halligan goal fired Gymns to a good opening day 3-1 win at Michael.