Rugby: Huge game for Douglas at Vale of Lune

Big Manx derby elsewhere at Ballafletcher this weekend

Report by Dave Christian:

With just two wins since Christmas, Douglas’ results in Regional 2 North West have been disappointing. 

However, they’re still very much in the mix for a play-off place but have just five games remaining and two of those are away at sides above them in the standings. 

This weekend is the first of those tough away games as they head to Lancaster to take on Vale of Lune who are just four points ahead of them in the league table.

The two sides are no strangers to each other with 13 previous league meetings and Vale just edging the stats eight-to-five. 

Douglas won their last encounter 31-8 at Port-e-Chee back in November when they were at the peak of their purple patch. 

Since then, 'Vale' have beaten North Ribblesdale at home and will definitely fancy their chances against Douglas.

The Douglas team was fairly settled earlier on in the season but a number of forced changes has undoubtedly caused some disruption. 

Skipper, Blake Snell hasn’t played for over a month and scrum half Nathan Robson has only appeared twice since Christmas; Stand off, Matty Wood has switched roles to centre and the back row has seen a number of different combinations. 

The extent of these changes means that collectively they need time to settle in and the relentless nature of the fixture list doesn’t always permit this.

Douglas are more than capable to pick up maximum points here, but will need a big team performance.

Big derby game at Ballafletcher

Vagabonds host Ramsey at Ballafletcher on Saturday in a league and cup double-header. 

The fixture will count for Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire Minor Conference as well as the Manx Cup. 

While this is far from ideal, it does however give the game some real gravity.

Its only round two of the conference games, in the Manx Cup, however, neither side have a win yet and with 'Vagas' having played twice, a bonus point win is a must for them for any chance of making the final.

Vagabonds have been well-rested and had a free weekend last week - skipper, Dan Bonwick has been sidelined with a groin injury and hopefully the break has allowed him time to heal; Cam Findlay, however is a great replacement and he scored all Vagabonds points in their Manx Cup outing against Douglas. 

Ramsey were well beaten by Douglas Celts in the cup last week and will no doubt be concerned with possible injuries - skipper, Josh Corteen; try machine, Brandon Atchison and utility back, Jake Richmond all picked up knocks last Saturday; prop forward, Michéal Flynn was off Island last week and could return to the forwards.

The last meeting between the two was at the Mooragh Park in November and ended in a 0-0 draw. Expect more points this time around.

Celts meet Nomads in Manx Shield

The Hartford Homes Manx Shield returns this weekend for a first versus second clash at Ballakilley Park. 

Early runaway leaders, Douglas Celts aim to build on their Manx Cup win at Ramsey last week and a win here will virtually guarantee them a Manx Shield win and a possible shot at a rare Shield & Cup double.

They adapted to the conditions at Ramsey much quicker than the home team and powerful forward running created opportunities for their strongmen and didn’t really allow Ramsey any space for manoeuvring. 

Rich Bell, Aaron Mason and Ralph Clarke formed a solid front row and were also around the park doing the support work. A repeat of this will make it tough for Nomads. 

The southerners, however have plenty of attacking power especially in a back line featuring Mark Young, Finn McGregor and the Craine brothers.

On paper this is a close game but did Douglas do too much last Saturday? This could give Nomads a chance.

**

Fixtures

Saturday, 28 February, 2026

Regional 2 North West

Vale of Lune vs Douglas @ Vale of Lune (1.45pm KO)

Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire Minor Conference League & Manx Cup

Vagabonds vs Ramsey @ Ballafletcher (2.15pm KO)

Hartford Homes Manx Shield

PDMS Southern Nomads vs Douglas Celts @ Ballakilley Park (2.15pm KO)