Rugby rivals clash in Manx Shield

After a tight opening round of matches last week the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield enters the second round of games this Saturday.

Top billing is the game between Douglas B and Vagabonds B at Port-e-Chee.

Vagas struggled to put away Emerging Nomads last Saturday and squeaked home by just two points.

Douglas on the other hand fielded a powerful team at Mooragh Park and simply outmuscled a lightweight Ramsey B.

Douglas have the benefit of some very experienced heads in their B team and could well be in with a shout in the title race.

Ben Dutnall for example has hung up his first team boots and his presence will be a huge boost for the B team. Vagas should have the luxury of a full-strength side this weekend and they won’t want to lose against their near neighbours.

Manx Radio Rugby Correspondent Dave Christian's money is on Douglas though.

At Mooragh Park, a rejuvenated Castletown will provide a stern test for last season’s runners-up Ramsey B.

Town have been busy with new signings during the summer and welcome Ben Dalglish, Alex Gibson, Dennis DeWet and Nick Keswetter to Poulsom park.

The latter joining from Douglas and scoring Town’s try in last week’s defeat.

Dave Christian says on last season’s form this should be a Ramsey win, but Town will be looking to take the points and it should be very close.

The final game is an all-Nomads affairs with Emerging Nomads taking on their own first team Southern Nomads at King William's College.

That tight match last week at Vagas will provide the emerging side with a big shot in the arm and they will have a point to prove against the shield holders.

Dave Christian predicts a win for the first team.