Rugby: Another big test for Douglas at Port-e-Chee

Vagabonds welcome Thornton Cleveleys to Ballafletcher

Report by Dave Christian:

Birkenhead Park visit Port-e-Chee in Regional 2 North West this week. While the two have met many times before, they have contrasting fortunes this season.

Park sit in third place with five wins from seven outings while Douglas are tenth with one from seven. Park have won their last three games against Douglas however the margins in the Port-e-Chee games were quite small.

Douglas remain without Harry Hewson however Seth Waterworth has resumed contact training and could be available and Guy Wood has shaken off an ankle knock and should also be fit. Niall Killey was unable to make the trip to Anselmians last week but should return on Saturday and a big home crowd could just spur Douglas on.

Vagabonds host Thornton Cleveleys

The visitors have won 2 from 5 in Counties 3 ADM Lancashire & Cheshire while Vagas are in ninth with just one win. Cleveleys did however concede an away walkover at Hoylake which suggests they may be vulnerable on the road. They have however beaten New Brighton and Ellesmere Port, both of whom have beaten Vagabonds this season already.

Vagas name an unchanged pack from last week which is always a good sign and Cal Donnell & Cam Findlay also return to the back line. Big news however is Nathan Gibson’s inclusion on the bench. He’s a huge ball carrier and they’ve missed his presence on the field. If he gets on expect to see him on the scoresheet.

Third vs Fourth in Manx Shield

Ramsey’s Reds face Nomads Greens in a rearranged Manx Shield game on what should be a rest week.

Both teams have suffered defeats at the hands of their clubmates and both need the win this week to keep in touch at the top. This means that the game should be a fine contest.

Youngster Nathan Robson continues to impress in the nine jersey for Ramsey and the centre pairing of Jake Richmond and Brandon Atchison continues to evolve. Ramsey also bring in Luke Ward for only his second game and Joey Callow will get his first senior start on the wing.

Tomas Gantous moves onto the bench too following in the footsteps of older brother Nico who trotted out for the Reds a few seasons back.

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