Douglas to welcome Kirkby Lonsdale in Regional 2 North West
Report by Dave Christian:
Vagabonds have a veritable feast of rugby at Ballafletcher tomorrow (31 October).
The men's second team gets it underway with a friendly against Douglas Celts at 12.30pm; the Ladies then face Macclesfield at 2pm and finally, the men's first XV take on St Edwards Old Boys at 2.15pm.
All the action is followed by Vagabonds' Mhelliah which really makes Ballafletcher the place to be for Hop Tu Naa.
While the two sides haven't met recently. Vagabonds and St Edwards have met four times previously with the record book showing two wins apiece.
In more recent times, St Edwards have been playing outside of the National League system and this season represents their comeback - the Liverpool side have won two from four this season and are right next to Vagabonds in the standings and the scoring records of the two is also impossibly close.
All this suggests a close game, but home advantage may count for quite a bit and 'Vagas' probably start as favourites.
In Womens NC2 North West, Vagabonds Ladies are flying high - they've won three from three and are four points clear at the top, although to be fair, some of the chasing pack have a game in hand.
The obvious difference from last season is the return of Isla Curphey - the former Loughborough Lightning player has scored 13 tries in three games, however her presence on the field is also creating space and opportunity for others.
Freya Crowe, Bea O'Neill and Bliss Murtagh have all benefited and up front the tight five have continued to provide a steady stream of ball.
Defensively, Vagabonds Ladies have conceded just five points in three matches and if the defence can remain so tight, they could go well as the season progresses.
Kirkby Lonsdale to visit Douglas
After missing their game last week, Douglas slipped down the Regional 2 North West standings and find themselves in ninth.
This week's visitors to Port-e-Chee are Kirkby Lonsdale who are two places lower in eleventh place.
The two have met twice before with the records showing one win each, however Kirkby Lonsdale were relegated and have bounced back after winning Counties 1 Cumbria last season.
This season's form suggests a close game.
Both have beaten Burnage but both have lost to Wilmslow and Birkenhead Park.
Douglas however edge it on the stats, having a more potent attack and a tighter defence.
Vagabonds B vs Douglas Celts (12.30pm KO @ Ballafletcher)
You can also listen to the full, extended interview with Manx Radio's Rugby Correspondent, Dave Christian looking ahead to this weekend's Isle of Man rugby action on the latest episode of the 'In-Depth: Isle of Man Rugby Preview' which is available on demand via the Manx Radio SportsCast below:
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