Rugby: Southern Nomads on the road in Cheshire Bowl

Ramsey and Western Vikings to face off in Manx Shield

Report by Dave Christian:

The RWC final on Saturday means a week off for Douglas’ and Vagabonds’ men. 

Vagabonds Ladies did have a fixture in the Papa John Intermediate Cup at Southport but have conceded it.

Nomads away to Parkonians

PDMS Southern Nomads head for Oxton Parkonians in the Cheshire Bowl. The two sides haven’t met competitively before although the clubs have probably played each other in historic Easter friendlies. Parkonians are playing in NORIWUL Division 3 West this season and sit in fourth place after seven matches, winning four and losing three. With twelve points separating the top eight sides however this league looks like it could be close.

Nomads lost heavily to Ramsey two weeks ago but bounced back last Saturday with a big win against Western Vikings. In the Bowl, they lost away at New Brighton but did pick up a losing bonus point which may yet be useful. Parkonians haven’t played yet but with New Brighton sitting high and dry on two from two, they look to be favourites.

Nomads have a pack strong enough to win away and with Will Taisia and Harry Corrin firing on all cylinders in the back line, they have pace aplenty out wide and crucially the senor players know what it takes to win in Cheshire. I suspect this game will be very close.

Vikings visit Ramsey

The only game to take place domestically is the visit of Western Vikings to Ramsey in the Manx Shield. Both sides are building towards their own Cheshire matches later this year with Ramsey already one foot in the Plate Final. The Northerners boast a fairly mobile pack of forwards and a backline which just oozes pace and class. Jake Richmond is tearing things up at centre and Brandon Atchison was in the top ten points scorers in England last season.

Vikings though play a simple but effective game with forwards running aggressive lines. Ed Knight bagged a brace in their opener, big Liam Sweeney returned for a trot last Saturday and Charlie Henthorn guesting from Douglas has proved a useful fillip to the squad. While Vikings are capable on their day, I can’t see them beating Ramsey.

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