Fleetwood delivered a dominant performance this weekend, combining clinical attacking flair with powerful forward play to secure a convincing 41-7 win over Vagabonds. Despite some missed opportunities in the first half, the visitors remained in control throughout the contest.

First Half: Attacking Intent Sets the Tone
From the opening whistle, the game swung back and forth, but it was Fleetwood who showed the greater attacking intent. Their persistence paid off early through sustained pressure and slick handling, allowing Keegan Paverd to cross the line for a well-worked try in the corner. The conversion was narrowly missed, leaving the score at 5-0.

Fleetwood continued to threaten, though a series of forward passes and handling errors in the greasy conditions saw three potential tries go begging. However, the pressure eventually told. Brett Whitehead, stepping into the fly-half position 22 meters out, spotted a gap and blasted through the Vagabonds' defense to touch down.

The momentum stayed firmly with the visitors. Just as it looked like the attack had stalled, a sequence of brilliant offloads from a static attack unlocked the defense, allowing Max Bailey to score under the sticks. Tom Evans added the extras. Before the whistle for the break, Chris Jones dived over following another incisive break by Whitehead, sending Fleetwood into the half time with a commanding lead.

Half Time Score: Vagabonds 0 – 24 Fleetwood

Second Half: Forwards Grind Out the Win
Fleetwood showed no signs of slowing down after the restart. Constant pressure on the Vagabonds' try line eventually saw Kieran Butler power over for the first score of the half.

The highlight of the afternoon followed shortly after. Tommy Hibbert selling an outrageous dummy that left the defense standing, before coasting under the posts. Hibbert converted his own try to extend the lead to 36-0.

Vagabonds finally got on the board midway through the half. After winning a series of penalties at the scrum, the referee awarded a Penalty Try to the hosts.

Fleetwood had the final word, however. Reverting to their "up front grunt," the pack set up a powerful rolling maul, with Jack Brocklehurst grounding the ball to put the finishing touches on a stellar team performance.

Overall Man of the Match went to Brett Whitehead, and then captains Man of the Match went to Tommy Hibbert

We must applause the performance of referee Joe Phelan who at the age of 78 put in a fantastic performance for both teams, kept everyone in check and was honest when needed. Joe has the nickname Pewter as he has retired multiple times and has a shelf full of Pewter cups, its people like Joe who keep rugby going as he has refereed thousands and thousands of games on the Isle of Man - a true legend in our eyes

After a 4am start and the Fleetwood lads understanding the commitment levels shown by the Isle of Man teams; there is certainly a new found respect for their love of the game

We must thank Vagabonds for a testing game, they were physical, well organised and with the league split we'd back them to pick up some wins especially at home. They continued to probe, compete and never give up until the final whistle despite the scoreline and gave us great hospitality from beginning to end.

The Fleetwood lads enjoyed the bright lights of Douglas for a night out for a rare chance for team bonding in a season like no other so far, we again thank the Vagabonds lads for enjoying some of the night with us!

Fleetwood's next fixture is Dukinfield at home on 31st January in the last 16 of the RFU community cup, meaning that various players can rest and recuperate ahead of that game