Rugby: Douglas look for points at Wilmslow

Vagabonds Ladies will host league leaders

Report by Dave Christian:

Douglas take to the road again on North One West with a trip to Wilmslow.

Douglas sit at the foot of the table with one win from seven.

Wilmslow however aren’t that far ahead with just two wins from nine and on a 6 match losing streak. Douglas will clearly see this game as an opportunity for away points. They game close in week one at Vale of Lune losing out to a last minute score and were even close three weeks ago with a 31-31 draw at Altrincham Kersal. Douglas’ last visit to Wilmslow was a 45-24 defeat back in September 2017 so they’ll be looking to go better than that.

Much will depend on injuries and availability to travel. Simon Hodinnott put in another big shift last week and they’ll want him the squad for sure. Seth Waterworth has missed a few games with injury and his return would also be welcome.

Kick off is at 1.00pm

Vagabonds Ladies host league leaders

Preston Grasshoppers are currently three from three in Womens NC1 North West and sit atop the table with maximum points and have only conceded five points in those three games. This will be Vagas’ first home game since before covid and will be a tough test.

Corinna Daly has shrugged off her leg injury and is fit again and will start in the back row. Leading try scorer Jules Harrison tales up her usual position at centre and the highly experienced Fran Hunt also gets a start. On their day Vagas are capable of winning, but will need to focus hard.

Kick off at Ballafletcher is at 2.00pm. and will be the feature game on Saturday Live.

Final round of fixtures before knockouts of Ravenscroft Manx Trophy

Runaway leaders Ramsey are secure at the top of the standings and know that whatever the result of their final match, they will have a home semi final against the fourth placed side. Ramsey’s final game against Douglas Celts has however been postponed with the Celts again struggling for player numbers.

Elsewhere though there’ll be a proper battle at Ballafletcher where Vagabonds host Southern Nomads. The Southerners currently occupy fourth place but a win against Vagabonds could give them a shot at moving up the table and avoiding Ramsey in the semis. Nomads put in a good shift last Saturday and with twenty minutes to go only trailed Ramsey 21-10 and were almost in for another score too. Orry Watterson grafted hard at eight, Mark Young was solid at ten and Django Kinley made hay whenever he got the ball. This Nomads team are capable of winning on their day and Vagas will need to watch out. Vagas however put sixty points past Douglas celts last Saturday. Nathan Gibson’s fine season continued with a brace last week and Mark Oldfield celebrated his return from suspension with two too. This should be a close game but Vagas will probably edge it.

One game in Ravenscroft Manx Bowl

Ramsey B head for the Field of Dreams at Ballakilley Park to face Emerging Nomads for what will be only their third game following a series of postponements. There’s very little form for either side so predicting a winner will be tough. Ramsey are likely to have the stronger squad though and are likely to take the points.

**

Fixtures 20 November

North One West

Wilmslow v Douglas @ Wilmslow ko 1.00pm

Womens NC 1 North West

Vagabonds v Preston Grasshoppers @ Ballafletcher ko 2.00pm

Ravenscroft Manx Trophy

Vagabonds v PDMS Southern Nomads @ Ballafletcher ko 2.15pm

Ravenscroft Manx Bowl

Emerging Nomads v Ramsey B @ Ballakilley ko 2.15pm