Rugby: Ramsey to begin new campaign at Prenton

Four Island sides involved in Cheshire County competitions

Report by Dave Christian:

The rugby season quietly gets underway this weekend in the Shadow of the Manx Grand Prix.

Ramsey, Vagabonds, Southern Nomads and Western Vikings have all entered Cheshire County competitions and Ramsey get the ball rolling on Saturday (26 August) with a trip to Prenton.

Prenton are based on the Wirral and the closest big town is Tranmere with the famous Tranmere Rovers playing at a ground called Prenton Park. 

Ramsey have met Prenton seven times in the Leagues with Ramsey just edging it four wins to three. 

Their last meeting was at Prenton in February 2019 where Ramsey won 60-0 in their title winning season. Since Covid however, Prenton are playing in a North West Regional League while Ramsey are confined to domestic competition pending a Euromillions win!

With the game being a season opener there’s no form to use as a gauge - Ramsey however are travelling with a near full strength squad. 

Rory Nicholson and Micheal Flynn are both absent however Matt Livesey, Joe Flanagan and Kyle Kenyon will be covering front row so the ship is in good hands. 

Skipper Matt Meechan has opted for a fast back row with Freddy Corlett and Ryan Wren giving masses of mobility on the flanks. 

John F Watling provides bench cover though and his 200 league appearances will count if called on. 

The backline is unchanged from last season. Nathan Robson and Dan Richmond are at half back and try machine Brandon Atchison is ready to run out wide. Fintan Cummins sits on the bench to cover multiple positions.

**

Cheshire Plate

Prenton v Ramsey @ Prenton ko 3.00pm