Rugby: Douglas out for maximum points against Kirkby Lonsdale

Vagabonds Ladies looking for more progress as they host Chester Devas

Report by Dave Christian:

After a deluge of rain caused their first meeting to be postponed, Douglas host Kirkby Lonsdale this Saturday in a re-arranged fixture. Douglas sit in eighth place in the Regional 2 North West Standings and if results go their way, they could finish as high as fifth.

They lost the away leg 19-13 way back in September but with home advantage they’ll look to put that right on Saturday - the squad is however carrying knocks, Harry Hewson is still battling with full fitness but they should welcome back Liam Kirkpatrick to the forwards who will add a little extra power.

Kirkby Lonsdale have been a little up and down since Christmas and have had some notable results, but they don’t travel that well and Douglas should take advantage.

Vagas Ladies look to build

After a great second half last week, this Saturday’s encounter with Chester Devas gives Vagabonds an opportunity to build and should be an exciting fixture especially as it coincides with International Women's Day.

Vagabond Ladies will be celebrating the occasion by hosting a pre-match girls' session from 12pm until 1pm and have extended a warm welcome to players from other clubs. 

Adding to the occasion, Vagas Ladies patron Lady Lorimer, will be in attendance and in addition to the festivities, it's also the final day of collection for period products with Femm Collective, highlighting the team's commitment to supporting women's health and well-being.

Chester Devas, currently joint second in the league, boast a strong team with plenty of talented youth players. 

However, Vagabond Ladies have made significant progress since their last meeting earlier in the season, playing on grass will be one challenge for Chester, who are more accustomed to their home 4G pitch.

Leona McGovern and Jess Swales will both be missing this week and the team will be led by co-captains Sophie Henry and Maisie Murray; Kyla Quayle and Becka Hicks were both solid in the second row last Saturday and the team will also welcome back Sammie MacDonald at scrum half after her return from holiday; Maylyn Campbell had a fine game against Didsbury and will remain at number eight with Clara Townsin also returning to the fold.

It’ll be a toughie though - Chester are tied for second in the Womens NC1 North West standings and have won six from nine. 

The teams have met fifteen times in League competition over the years and while Vagas are ahead eight wins to seven, Chester have won the last three encounters and the formbook suggests this could be a fourth.

Vagas men face Nomads in Manx Cup

Southern Nomads host Vagabonds in the Manx Cup this weekend. Vagas were due to play Chorley in league action however the Lancashire Club is like many, struggling for players and are unable to fulfil the fixture which means Vagas pick up five points but also have a free weekend. 

To avoid too much fixture congestion in April both clubs have helpfully agreed to dispose of their Cup game early.

Vagas and Ramsey drew the opening game in the competition which will make for interesting times come the final round of matches. 

Vagas have a dominant pack of forwards and will make life tricky for anyone - Mitch Wells, Matt Rockwell and Joe Louw give plenty of power and utility sub Rob Martin can always change a game when he gets on. A back row with Ross Pulman will always be tough opposition however Vagas appear to be resting their two big guns Mark Oldfield and Dan Bonwick ahead of next week’s big league clash with Ashton under Lyne.

Nomads have had an up-and-down season and have suffered two large defeats to Ramsey. 

There has however been a change to the coaching line up with the experienced Ste McHugh and Al Corrin taking over the reins - they may have had insufficient time to make a difference for this game however Nomads have plenty of quality players in their ranks and will definitely make a fight of it.

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Fixtures 9 March 2024

Regional 2 North West

Douglas v Kirkby Lonsdale @ Port-e-Chee (2.15pm KO)

Womens NC 1 North West

Vagabonds v Chester Devas @ Ballafletcher (2pm KO)

Ravenscroft Manx Cup

PDMS Southern Nomads v Vagabonds @ Ballakilley (2.15pm KO)