Rugby: Douglas welcome league champions to Port-e-Chee

Manx Cup also returns at Mooragh Park

Report by Dave Christian:

Stockport visit Port-e-Chee this weekend after being confirmed as North One West champions with three games still to play. They’ve amassed 23 wins from a possible 23 and have an unassailable 24 point lead at the top of the table. Douglas are in a less comfortable position and are one away from the  foot of the table and in the midst of an ongoing injury crisis.

A combination of a punishing fixture list and covid has meant that Douglas have been struggling for a few weeks now. They lost Harry Swayne last week too, just to compound the problem and they’ll surely struggle against Stockport. The only crumb of consolation is that with the title in the bag, Stockport may take their foot off the gas and use their remaining games to blood some new players. This may just open the door for Douglas.

Ravenscroft Manx Cup returns as Ramsey face Sure Vagabonds

With Douglas continuing to struggle with injuries, there’s just one game on the domestic fixture list this week and its at the Mooragh Park were Ramsey face Vagabonds.

Ramsey have without doubt been the form team so far this season and have beaten Vagabonds three times already in the Manx Trophy competition. The Northerners have however been starved of games since Christmas this fixture will be just their fourth since the new year started. This however means that while match fitness may be lacking, the squad should be very well rested and really up for the game.

Dan Richmond and Brandon Atchison are the form players for Ramsey but Dan Bonwick still brings a sparkle whichever shirt he’s wearing, skipper Matt Meechan is a back row powerhouse and loosehead prop Adam Dunlop is the unsung quiet man of the team.

Vagas have won just one from four outings in the Cup with a big second half game against Douglas Celts securing a one-sided result at Ballafletcher. They’ve since lost the return leg and also lost twice to Southern Nomads who currently top the table. Vagas have unearthed some talented youngsters in the likes of Cole Donnelly and Will Taylor, but will need some old-fashioned grit on Saturday if they hope to beat Ramsey.

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Fixtures 2 April

North One West

Douglas v Stockport @ Port-e-Chee ko 3.00pm

Ravenscroft Manx Cup

Ramsey v Vagabonds @ Mooragh Park ko 2.15pm

Under 13 Friendlies

Southern Nomads v Galway Corinthians @ Ballakilley Park ko 12.00pm

Douglas v Galway Corinthians @ Port-e-Chee ko 12.00pm