Rugby: Last home encounter of 2025 season for Vagabonds

Douglas to welcome Southern Nomads in Manx Cup

Report by Dave Christian:

Vagabonds face Colne & Nelson this Saturday in their penultimate game in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire this season. 

'Vagas' as we know haven’t enjoyed the best season and their run-in since Christmas has been relentless. 

They have three wins from 20 outings and are next to bottom, Colne by contrast are 13 from 18 and due to games in hand they still have a realistic shot of a finish in the promotion places. 

It's likely that they’ll be bringing their best squad for this game - history is also against 'Vagas' this week, the two sides have met three times previously with Colne taking all three games.

With home advantage Vagabonds may have a slightly stronger squad - Tom Gascoyne’s availability could be important, Dave Keenan has had a couple of trots this season and could assist, plus Ed Knight and Harry Goodwin from Western Vikings have both graced the teamsheets at one time or another. 

The other bonus is that captain Dan Bonwick is back too after recovering from a knee knock.

If they can get their first choice side out Vagabonds have a chance here, it will of course depend on what Colne bring and will only be an outside chance, however points from this could be a huge boost for all at the club.

Manx Cup continues

Southern Nomads visit Port-e-Chee to face Douglas and the Manx Cup - Douglas have a free weekend before their final game in Regional 2 North West and by playing this game this weekend they provide a chance for finishing the domestic season on time.

Nomads will be no pushover either, even for the Cup holders and overwhelming favourites. 

The men in green put in a feisty performance against Ramsey last week despite losing 37-10 - they missed George Callister and Mark young at half back and they lost impressive back rower Max Elwig to injury. 

If Young & Callister are available this week and Elwig is fit again, they’ll make Douglas work for the win which will almost inevitably go their way.

There’s quality in the Douglas side from one to 15 and will need a special performance to turn them over - they’ve ran a casuals side this season from time to time and that casuals side on its own is capable of being a significant obstacle in the Manx Cup.

Douglas should win this one and leave Nomads playing for the Manx Plate on finals day.

**

Fixtures

Saturday, 29 March 2025

Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Vagabonds vs Colne & Nelson @ Ballafletcher (2pm KO)

Manx Cup

Douglas vs PDMS Southern Nomads @ Port-e-Chee (1.30pm KO)