Rugby: Douglas back in action at Winnington Park

Vagabonds Ladies hoping to follow up big win at Aldwinians

Report by Dave Christian:

Douglas head to bottom side Winnington Park in Regional 2 North West this week. 

'Park' are zero from three so far with two of their three games coming against a couple of the early leaders. 

They have, however lost to Burnage who Douglas thrashed 69-26 last time out, which is an encouraging sign. 

Last season the two sides met twice with each picking up a home win and in overall meetings Douglas are ahead eight-six in wins.

Douglas though have been forced into changes to the squad -  Nathan Robson, Simon Hodinnott, Blake Snell, John Dutnall and Ralph Clarke are all unavailable so opportunity knocks for Callum Clague, Kudzai Chenda, Cal Dentith and Mark Oldfield. 

It’ll be tricky away from home but the depth in the squad should be able to handle it.

Table-topping Vagabonds Ladies head to Aldwinians

After two matches Vagabonds sit atop the Womens NC2 North West table and, in fact, are three points clear of their nearest rivals, although some have only played one game so far. 

This weekend they travel to Aldwinians who have yet to play and therefore are something of an unknown quantity. 

That said, 'Vagas' won home and away last season with Aldwinians managing just three wins from 14 outings.

While eleven tries in two games from Isla Curphey have given the side something of a turbo boost, last season’s strike runner, Freya Crowe has seven of her own and the squad continues to serve up possession for their big runners. 

Maylyn Campbell returned last week too and they have also brought in young novice Erin Corkill who can cut her teeth in somewhat comfortable surroundings.

Assuming Vagabonds have the full squad available to travel, their early results suggest a second away win, however it remains to be seen what Aldwinians have been able to add to their squad over the close season.

Opening game in the Hartford Homes Manx Cup

The delayed start to the English Leagues has meant that Vagabonds have a somewhat congested fixture list and their Manx Cup commitments have to be sandwiched into their free weeks, very similar to the Dukinfield v Nomads clash a fortnight ago.

As with last season the Cup is played on a league basis with the top two qualifying for the final.

This weekend the competition gets underway with Vagabonds travelling to the Mooragh Park to face Ramsey. 

Neither side qualified for last season’s Cup Final and they faced off in the precursor Plate Final with Ramsey narrowly taking the honours. 

This season however looks a little different, Vagabonds are going well in their Counties 3 league while Ramsey were forced to drop out for financial reasons and have already lost to Douglas Celts in the Shield.

'Vagas' have been impressive defensively and in the tight five - their set piece scrummage is difficult to shift and in the recent game with Oldham they showed how their defence can change tactics and stop the ball switching to the dangerous wider channels. 

New signing, Matt Clowes looks solid at number eight and Leo Marques athletic at seven.

Ramsey will miss the versatility of youngster Dan Kelly this week but there appear to be no issues elsewhere in the squad - Josh Kelly has looked promising at tight head and will get a proper test against Vagas; the Meechan-Corteen back row combination has been slick as have the midfield paring of Jake Richmond and Keiran Kneale.

I’m expecting a close game but with Vagas just taking the honours given their current league form.

**

FIXTURES

Saturday, 17 October 2026

Regional 2 North West

Winnington Park vs Douglas (1.30pm KO @ Winnington Park)

Women's NC2 North (West)

Aldwinians vs Vagabonds Ladies (11.30am KO @ Aldwinians)

Hartford Homes Manx Cup

Ramsey vs Vagabonds (2.15pm KO @ Mooragh Park)

Hartford Homes Manx Shield 

Douglas Celts P-P Western Vikings

You can listen to the full, extended interview with Manx Radio's rugby correspondent, Dave Christian looking ahead to this weekend's Manx 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: