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AT ONLY 21, Callan Ward concedes he will feel a bit like an old man tomorrow night when he leads out the GWS Giants in their AFL debut against the Swans at ANZ Stadium.

With just 60 senior games on his resume at the Western Bulldogs, Ward is one of only five players with previous AFL experience named in the Giants team for its inaugural game, the remainder being 17 first-gamers, of which 14 are teenagers.

Apart from Ward, Kevin Sheedy's side will field veterans James McDonald (251 games) and Chad Cornes (239 games), as well as Rhys Palmer (53 games) and Phil Davis (18 games).

Of their debutants, nine are only 18, and another five are 19, with Tim Mohr (23), Jonathan Giles (24) and NRL recruit Israel Folau (22) the older first-timers.

''Yeah, I know it feels like it sometimes,'' Ward said when suggested he was the old man. ''It will be different, it will be extremely exciting though. They will bring the enthusiasm we need. Everyone is just pumped to play the game.

''There is a great feeling around the joint at the moment,'' he said comparing the build-up to that of the preliminary finals he played at the Bulldogs. ''Everyone can't wait to get out there and play. I'm a little bit, not a whole lot yet. I'm not really one to get nervous too early before a game. Usually on the drive to a game I'm a bit nervous but I think I probably have been a bit more nervous this week.''

Asked whether he or Davis will get the honour of tossing the coin for the first time, Ward replied: ''We haven't decided yet. It might have to be paper, scissors, rock. I'm not sure how we'll decide that.''

The Giants' average age is 20 years and eight months, and thanks to the 490 games between McDonald and Cornes, the average number of games is boosted to 28. And Ward and his co-captain Davis, will enter the top 10 youngest AFL captains list tomorrow night, Ward at No.9 (21 years 348 days) and Davis at No.3 (21 years and 206 days).

The 17 debutants equals the AFL record held by Adelaide, which fielded 17 in its first match in the AFL in 1991.

Wagga teenager Harry Cunningham is another making his AFL debut after being selected by the Swans for the clash.

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Debutants' ball: Sheedy's side to feature 17 first-gamers for inaugural clash

WILD winds and heavy storms late last week ruined any chance of play on day one of Keilors Victorian Turf Cricket Association North Division grand final on Saturday.

Captain Danny Law and Doutta Stars counterpart Aaron Mato surveyed Saturdays damage - a sodden pitch courtesy of runaway covers during Thursday nights windy storm - and shook hands on a days abandonment knowing the loser of the toss would ultimately lose the game.

But thats where the comrade Leg 1 ship ended, and when the fickle spin of the silverware landed in Laws favour on Sunday morning, the Blues skipper had no hesitation inviting Mato and his charges to bat.

The lower-ranked side finished the day 6-162. I was happy to win the toss and I think he was a bit disappointed not to, Law said.

The Stars, at least early, grappled with the conditions with esteem. Jamie Anderson (31) and Hamish Moore (28) combined for a 60-run opening stand as Keilors quicks found the slow wicket unrewarding.

But then Shafraz Mohamed cleaned up Anderson and Rajan Aiyappan and Dan Schuppan chimed in to trap Moore in front and rattle Shannon Wigmores woodwork.

And that was before Mato had even entered the fray.

The former Premier Cricket gun, averaging 309 with the willow in the past month, saw wickets tumble from the non-strikers end but held his nerve until stumps.

Mato looked the likes of Schuppan and Law in the eye and did not flinch, clambering to 51 not out as Doutta finished the day 6-162.

Hes their main batsman. The pressure is on him to hold their innings together, Law said.

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Flip-of-the-coin final

by Tara Davidson

Equiom, the leading Isle of Man headquartered Trust and Corporate Service Provider marked its 5th Anniversary with a reception for clients, government and business contacts at The Sayle Gallery on Harris Promenade Douglas.

Commenting on this significant milestone Equioms Managing Director, Sheila Dean said; The last 5 years has been an exciting period in the development of Equiom as a totally independent Trust and Corporate Service Provider. Our 86 staff work tirelessly to ensure the continuous growth of the business across all of the sectors we operate in. We are proud to be licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and are extremely grateful for the support we receive from both the Chief Minister and the Isle of Man Government in order to achieve our objectives. At the heart of our success is our very loyal client base and we greatly value our continuing relationship with them and thank them for their support to date. We strongly believe it is a partnership built on trust.

Equioms Senior Manager Business Development, Bruce Dutton added; Despite the global turbulence of recent years our investment in the business, both operationally and from a Business Development perspective, has been considerable which, I am pleased to say, has delivered outstanding results. Going forward we have a clearly defined strategy for future growth and whilst some commentators refer to the current climate as challenging, we view it as a climate for opportunity.

The evening coincided with an exhibition by local artist Tracey Dean titled Coast to Coast - depicting beautiful Manx scenes.

To experience the new Equiom website please go to http://www.equiom.im

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At the heart of our success is our very loyal client base and we greatly value our continuing relationship with them and thank them for their support to date."

Sheila Dean, Equiom's Managing Director

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Equiom Trust Company Celebrates 5th Anniversary

by Kate McDowell

Following the disappointing news that the Isle of Man will lose its route to London City from 11th April, Manx2.com is stepping in to offer attractive alternative access to the Island. Any passengers who were booked to travel through London City are being offered the opportunity to rebook their tickets on Manx2.coms new London Oxford route from 8th May - for 1 less than they originally paid for a London City ticket.

Manx2.com Managing Director, David Buck, said: Its obviously disappointing that the Isle of Man is losing this route but perhaps understandable in these tough economic times.

Its crucial for the Isle of Mans economy that we maximise access wherever possible and we are very keen to ensure that no one has to cancel their plans to visit the Island.

Oxfords award-winning airport boasts a state-of-the-art new passenger terminal with convenient and affordable parking. It offers good access to West London and Heathrow from the M40 motorway and with a new local rail station at Kidlington opening early in 2013 providing access to the mainline rail network at London's Marylebone for the first time, the airport terminal will be accessible from London in less than an hour via public transport.

Daily flights will depart Isle of Man Airport at 10:55, arriving in London Oxford just one hour later. Oxford departures will be at 15:15, arriving on the Island at 16:25. The service, operated by a British Aerospace Jetstream 31 aircraft, will also connect directly through Oxford on to Manx2s Jersey service.

To re-book tickets, passengers should email their booking confirmation to reservations@manx2.com who will handle all necessary arrangements.

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we are very keen to ensure that no one has to cancel their plans to visit the Island."

David Buck, Manx2.com Managing Director

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Manx2.com Offers to Help London City Passengers

by Aoife Donohoe

Aer Arann is to cease operating its Isle of Man to London City service with effect from Wednesday 11th April 2012. The airline intends to operate a normal Isle of Man-London City schedule up to and including Tuesday, 10th April with the last flight, RE 308, arriving from London City at 2050hrs that evening.

Passengers with confirmed bookings for flights after 10th April will be contacted directly by Aer Arann and will be offered a full refund.

We sincerely regret the impact that this decision will have on our customers said Sean Brogan, Aer Aranns Interim Chief Executive. The decision however is due to our evolving new business model which is based on providing connectivity and frequency on flights between the UK and Ireland and onwards to the USA and unfortunately the Isle of Man-London City route is not a strategic fit with this.

Aer Arann has 14 flight deck and cabin crew based in Isle of Man and all will be offered the opportunity to move to other Aer Arann bases.

I would like to thank our customers for their continued support for this service and for remaining loyal to us and to the London City route, said Sean Brogan.

Our team in Ronaldsway has provided an excellent service to our Isle of Man and London City customers since the route was launched in January 2009 and they have helped to build and maintain our reputation as a professional, safe and caring airline.

Aer Arann will continue to operate its Isle of Man to Dublin service under the Aer Lingus Regional brand effective 25th March.

With the Aer Lingus Regional service, Isle of Man passengers will benefit from connectivity on all Aer Lingus flights through Dublin offering not only excellent access to major European destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels and Rome but also transatlantic connectivity on Aer Lingus flights to New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.

Passengers will also benefit from US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance facilities at Dublin Airport that will allow them to arrive in the US as domestic passengers, saving valuable time. Flights from Isle of Man to Dublin are available for booking on http://www.aerlingus.com.

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Aer Arann to Close Isle of Man – London City Route