Rugby: Douglas face Ramsey in last Manx Cup qualifier

Both sides could meet again in final next week

Report by Dave Christian:

It’s the last qualifying round for the 2024 Ravenscroft Manx Cup this Saturday and Ramsey host Douglas at the Mooragh Park in what could be a dress rehearsal for the final. 

Douglas have already qualified but Ramsey need a minimum of a point from the game, or failing that avoid defeat by 101 points or more.

The last two meetings between the sides have produced Douglas wins by 36-10 and 23-14. 

This suggests that while a point may be unlikely, the losing margin could be well below the 101 mark and on this basis Ramsey are likely to qualify. 

Douglas however have had a solid league season in Regional 2 North West and while Ramsey have lifted a Cheshire Plate, they may well be off the Douglas pace a little.

Douglas were accomplished in all areas against Vagabonds last Saturday - the front five were like a rock and put the Vagas set piece under pressure, a young and mobile back row got around the park, the half back pairing of Kyle Martin and Luke Hyland worked well and Shay Waterworth at centre had a tremendous game, in the latter stages Sam McCord really got stuck in from full back.

Ramsey will have to work hard to counter this and have had some injury niggles in the past few weeks. 

Skipper Matt Meechan (shoulder), second row Eddie Lord (ankle) and back row man Steve Kneale (shoulder) have all been under the physio. 

If all are fit again, Ramsey could be at full strength for the game - Nathan Robson at scrum half is competitive enough to give Kyle Martin a contest, Jake Richmond just oozes quality in the centre and Brandon Atchison is a proven finisher out wide.

This could be a cracker of a cup tie.

**