Rugby: Ramsey and Nomads to meet for Cheshire Bowl semi-final

Both sides looking for valuable win after tough starts to season

Report by Dave Christian:

The start of the autumn international series usually means a break from league rugby and this year is no difference. 

It is however an opportunity for County Cup matches to be played and this weekend sees what are effectively the semi finals of the Cheshire Bowl. 

With just four sides entered, the first round is also the semi-finals. 

Ramsey host Southern Nomads at the Mooragh Park and in the other semi the holders and favourites, New Brighton make the short journey to Hoylake.

The 2025-26 season hasn’t started so well for Ramsey and Nomads. 

Ramsey find themselves winless at the foot of Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire and while Nomads have had a win in the Hartford Homes Manx Shield they are also currently at the foot of the table after a home defeat against Western Vikings last Saturday. 

A win in this game therefore is important for both clubs.

Ramsey are struggling with a few key injuries - try machine, Brandon Atchison hasn’t played since early September, Josh Leece has a shoulder knock and Jake Richmond has a knee niggle but may yet be fit for this game. 

They’ll also miss “the Irish Oak” Micheal Flynn who isn’t available this week; Jared May looks likely to cover for Flynn; Adam Dempsey has been going well in place of Jake Richmond and Dan Kelly has taken on kicking duties in place of Leece; youngster Ffinlo Corkill went well at Clitheroe last Saturday too so could well retain his place.

A big positive for Nomads last Saturday was the return of dynamic number eight Dick Seed - his carries always pose a threat. 

Last week they used the veteran Al Corrin in the ten jersey and switched Mark Young to centre, he profited with a try but his distribution to the wide channels was hampered by wind, rain and very cold hands, with the forecast looking dry for Saturday, he may have a little more fortune if the experiment is repeated.

For both sides the game givens them a shot at an end of season Cheshire Final and while New Brighton will be a tough ask (assuming they beat Hoylake) a final is a final and anything could happen.

**