Douglas RUFC claimed victory at the Citywing Plane Pull event, held at its hangar at Ronaldsway on Sunday 6th July, with teams raising money for Citywing’s 2014 charity of the year, Manx Cancer Help.

The entrants flexing their muscles were Triumph Group, Southern Police, Robinson’s Fresh Foods, Southern Nomads RUFC, Western Vikings RUFC, Douglas RUFC, SMP Partners, Sleepwell Hotels, Barclays, Isle of Man Prison and Hansard, as well as a children’s team.

Almost all of the teams managed to beat last year’s record time of 16.52 seconds, but Douglas RUFC ultimately triumphed, cheered on by a crowd of spectators. After enjoying sausage and bacon baps, tea and coffee provided free of charge by Sleepwell Hotels, the Douglas rugby union team completed the 34-yard course in an impressive 13.12 seconds, just pipping Southern Nomads RUFC who recorded a time of 13.13 seconds, with last year’s winners Robinsons Fresh Foods coming in third at 13.46 seconds.

Citywing Managing Director David Buck said: ‘The event was fantastic fun, and congratulations must go to all of the teams that took part, but especially to Douglas RUFC who took home the cup this year. Anyone interested in challenging them and trying to break the record for 2015, or just looking to get involved with this unique fundraising event, please do get in touch – there aren’t many people who can claim to have pulled an aircraft!

‘We would also like to thank Sleepwell Hotels for contributing refreshments for all the competitors, the St John Ambulance crew, and Matt Mosur for his excellent photography of the event.’

CEO of Manx Cancer Help Andrea Chambers added: ‘We have really enjoyed being a part of such a fantastic event, and it was wonderful to see all of the competitors and spectators have so much fun on the day. We are delighted to be Citywing’s Charity of the Year for 2014 and all of their fundraising efforts, and of course the efforts of the Plane Pull teams, are hugely appreciated.’