Rugby set for opening weekend of 2019/20 season

Douglas host Warrington in North One West

As usual, the end of the Manx Grand Prix heralds the beginning of the rugby season however it’s a slightly unusual start to say the least.

Douglas play their opening League match in North One West and there are two domestic matches albeit in different competitions.

Douglas’ campaign gets underway at 2.15pm with a home match against Warrington at Port-e-Chee.

Last season this fixture produced a hatful of tries with Douglas winning, but going onto lose the away leg later in the season.

Seth Waterworth makes his league debut after a couple of impressive cameos for the Celts last season.

Domestically, Emerging Nomads host Western Vikings in the 2018/19 Manx Plate.

The season ended before all the games could be completed and this is one of the overspill matches.

Vikings have already qualified for the final and Ramsey B sit in pole position for the other spot.

Emerging Nomads however have two remaining matches and two wins will put them into the 12^th October final.

Vikings were the form team last season however with neither side getting any game time ahead of this clash, the match could easily go either way.

The second match is the opening game in the Manx Shield.

The competition has been moved back to the beginning of the season again and kicks off with Ramsey B hosting Vagabonds B at the Mooragh Park.

Neither side enjoyed spectacular success last season so on paper this could be an evenly matched game.

Both sides however will contain players looking to cement first team spots and this means maximum effort which could make the match interesting.

Fixtures 7 September  (KO 2.15pm unless stated)

North One West

Douglas v Warrington - Port-e-Chee           

Manx Plate

Emerging Nomads v Western Vikings - King Williams College

Manx Shield

Ramsey B v Vagabonds B - Mooragh Park