Royal end champions’ four year unbeaten run

It’s advantage Douglas Royal after reigning champions Corinthians were finally beaten.

Their four year and 52 match unbeaten league run ended as Royal won a thrilling Ballafletcher derby 5-4 in the Warehouse Fitness League.

Two goals from Donna Shimmin – the first from the penalty spot – gave them a 2-0 half-time lead and a further Angela Waite strike in the second half seemed to have settled the contest.

However, Corinthians showed their character in full and a quick-fire Jade Burden hat-trick turned the match on its head.

Kym Hicklin then produced a superb finish to fire Royal back in front and switch the momentum back in their favour.

Waite’s second sealed it and, although Hattie Castle pulled one back, it was too little too late.

Elsewhere, Gymns continued their winning ways with a 5-2 win at Peel.

The Tromode outfit, which led 3-1 at the break, sealed the points thanks to doubles from Alannah Hall and Eleanor Gawne and one from Gillian Christian.

The western response came via strikes from Sarah O’Reilly and Kayleigh Greggor.

The southern derby involving Castletown and Colby ended 1-1.

Becky Corkish secured a first half lead for the Arbory outfit before Town equalised in the second half via a Dawn Winn strike.