Reigning champions St George’s showed just why they won’t relinquish their Sure Mobile Premier League title without a fight on Saturday.

They gained a fine 3-2 win at title rivals Rushen to keep up the pressure on leaders Peel.

In a topsy-turvy game between two committed sides, Chris Bass junior put the Geordies ahead before Aaron Hawley equalised for the new Railway Cup winners.

Callum Morrissey then restored the visitors’ advantage only for Josh Kelly to haul Rushen level once more.

However, the Geordies were not to be denied and Chris Melly put them back in front and they held onto the lead, despite the second half dismissal of Neil Brogan.

St Mary’s put Union Mills to the sword on their own patch with a 6-2 victory at Garey Mooar.

Goals from Steven Priestnal (two), Frank Jones (two), Marc Priestnal and Martin Reilly kept the Saints’ title bid on course.

Battling Mills scored a goal in each half through Danny McMahon and James Cannell.

There was also an emphatic scoreline at Blackberry Lane where Old Boys deepened Ayre United’s relegation worries with a 7-3 success.

A hat-trick from Craig Stewart led the way for the home side with brother Callum Stewart, Liam Buckley, Sean Gavin and Dean France netting the others.

The score was delicately poised at 3-2 at half-time.

Ayre replied through Liam Wheeler, Steven Parish and Neil Brown.