The Cooish: Peel's late rescue, a one-point rifle thriller and Manx riders at the NEC

A weekend of late goals, narrow margins and a postponed fixture has given the island plenty to chew over. Here is what has been keeping the conversation going.

Peel refuse to go quietly

Reigning Canada Life Men’s Premier League champions Peel left it late at Douglas Road on Saturday, scoring twice towards the end to secure a 3-3 draw with league leaders Corinthians, according to Manx Radio.

Corinthians are still unbeaten at the top, but their lead is now four points over St John’s United, who beat Colby 5-0. Union Mills climbed to third after edging a seven-goal contest 4-3 at Laxey, with Peel slipping to fourth. Braddan’s meeting with Rycob was postponed because of poor pitch conditions.

In Division 2, Castletown are back on top after a 3-3 home draw with St George’s, one point clear of Foxdale, who did not play.

A tougher night for the Ravens

FC Isle of Man suffered their first home defeat of the season on Saturday evening, losing to South Liverpool. Manx Radio described the Ravens as wasteful.

Wins for the Vagas and Bacchas

There was better news on the rugby pitch, where Vagabonds Ladies beat Winnington Park comfortably, Manx Radio reported. The Vagabonds men also won, and Ramsey picked up a victory in the Manx Shield.

In hockey, Bacchas A narrowly beat their Mixed Premier title rivals to stay top, while Harlequins C moved into the lead of Mixed Division 3 with an emphatic win.

Decided by a single point

The Isle of Man Rifle Association’s Winter League returned on Monday 5 October. Energy FM said it was a low-key start, with a number of teams unable to field full sides and few high scores.

The exception was the meeting at Sulby, where visitors Laxey won by the narrowest of margins, 476 to 475. Castletown also won away, beating Kirk Michael.

Manx riders on the big stage

Three riders from the island competed at the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s NEC, according to Energy FM, with two finishing on the podium.

Lola Bass took third place in the 153cm Working Hunter Pony class on Carnsdale Be Charming. Abby Kirkpatrick came third in the Working Hunter of the Year competition after a clear round on Magnus Amor, and later described the result as a highlight of her career.

Cueing up in Leeds

Finally, Isle of Man snooker players represented the island at the recent Home Internationals in Leeds, Isle of Man Today reported.

That’s the Cooish for today. With the Premier League title race tightening and the rifle league under way, there should be plenty more to talk about next week.