Rugby: Ramsey at home to face Dukinfield

Douglas and Vagabonds to meet in Manx Cup

Report by Dave Christian:

Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire has now formally split into two mini-leagues. 

The top seven at the time of the split will play for the promotion places and the bottom seven for a separate trophy. 

Ramsey and Vagabonds both find themselves in the lower seven which will be known as the Minor Conference (the top seven will be the Major Conference). 

Both Isle of Man sides have a game yet to play in phase one and, because phase one points will be carried into phase two, these will be played on 7 March. 

The final placings, however are unlikely to be affected which is why phase two is getting underway now. 

'Vagas' have a bye week but Ramsey will welcome Dukinfield to the Mooragh Park on Saturday.

The two have met 11 times previously with Dukinfield just edging the stats with six wins. 

Their last meeting saw Dukinfield leading 26-0 at half time but a spirited Ramsey side shut them out in the second half and the game finished 26-8.

The dangermen for Dukinfield are without doubt scrum half, Johnny Sculthorp and back row, Mike Connole - Sculthorpe works well behind his tight five and kicks the points too; Connole is a powerful runner and tends to make yards whenever he carries.

Ramsey though have their own carriers - skipper, Josh Corteen should be fully fit after resting a hamstring and his occasional back row partner, Matt Meechan will be itching to get going on home turf. 

Out wide, Brandon Atchison provides the pace with Jake Richmond adding some sleek running lines to break the line.

Ramsey were winless in phase one and will be keen to get rid of that particular monkey... could this be their chance?

Douglas v Vagabonds in Hartford Homes Manx Cup

It may be Valentine’s Day but there’s no love between these two heavyweights of Manx Rugby...yes, it’s Douglas Celts but don’t let that fool anyone. 

This game will be as hotly-contested as any other meeting between the two. 

Vagabonds come into it on the back of an opening round defeat at Southern Nomads and will need a win here to keep their cup hopes alive ahead of a showdown with Ramsey in two weeks time.

The Celts are previous Manx Cup winners and can’t be taken for granted - they’re leading the Manx Shield and, on their day, can boast an impressive line up. 

The Celts’ recent away foray to Northwich gave run outs to a couple of first team occasionals as well as the likes of Bryn Snellgrove, Ralph Clarke, Mark McGee and Wilf Kermode, these are highly experienced players who very much know what they’re doing and present a formidable line up.

'Vagas' used last week’s game to gain some experience for some of their youngsters - Lennon Moore had fared well for Western Vikings the previous week and he earned his bench spot. 

They were however missing their influential skipper Daniel Bonwick who hasn’t played since the away trip to Ormskirk on 10 January, his return would be a welcome boost.

**

Fixtures

Saturday, 14 February, 2026

Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire (Minor Conference League)

Ramsey vs Dukinfield @ Mooragh Park (1.30pm KO)

Hartford Homes Manx Cup

Douglas Celts vs Vagabonds @ Port-e-Chee (1pm KO)