Rugby: Vagabonds to welcome Ashton-Under-Lyne

Vagas ladies on the road at Bury this weekend

Report by Dave Christian:

Ashton are the visitors to Ballafletcher this Saturday as 'Vagas' try get the wheels back on the wagon after a big defeat away last week in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire. 

Cam Findlay banked all the points away at league leaders Garstang last Saturday as the side went down 104-7, Ashton however are just three points ahead of Vagabonds in the standings and could provide a fourth win of the season.

The two sides didn’t meet earlier in the season due to the pre-Christmas league structure so there’s no real current form to go with. 

They have however lost against Dukinfield, Fleetwood and Orrell all of whom lost at Ballafletcher. 

Statistically however Vagabonds' indifferent scoring and conceding records suggest that Ashton should win, notwithstanding the “Ballafletcher effect”.

Much will depend on team news - 'Vagas' were without Dan Bonwick and Tom Gascoyne last week, Bonwick’s knee will be a concern for them however with a week’s rest he may be OK. 

One player they can usually rely on though is probably an unsung hero, Jon Ferguson; he is solid in the set piece at either front row or second row; he’s powerful around the ruck and maul and for a front five forward, a thinking man too. 

He’ll always keep an eye on his back three and if they’re committed to attack its not unusual to see him lurking in the backfield as cover, he’s good under the high ball and strong enough in counterattack to allow his team mates to get back and help.

Whatever the selection, the team are always lifted by their home crowd and that may just be enough to tip the balance.

Vagabonds Ladies travel to Bury

There are just three games remaining for Vagas in Womens NC2 North (South), this trip to Bury and then home and away against Littleborough. 

Both clubs are below 'Vagas' in the standings and a 15-point finish would certainly put them close to the promotion pot. 

Bury sit at the foot of the table with just one win from six outings, they were put to the sword 70-0 at Ballafletcher however Vagabonds haven’t yet won away from home this season.

Only league leaders Leigh have score more points than 'Vagas' which is a good omen to begin the stats review with. 

Two narrow defeats at home have come back to haunt them though so concentration right to the final whistle is probably the message from the coaching team.

The pack can hold its own in set piece - Becky Dunne and Leona McGovern are very influential in the back line plus the powerhouse that is Maylyn Campbell is a guaranteed line breaker. 

Tries came from all over the squad in their big win against Winnington Park three weeks ago so provided the full squad can travel, they are definitely capable of taking all the points.

Ramsey host Southern Nomads in Manx Shield

Southern Nomads visit the Mooragh this Saturday for their Manx Shield clash, since Christmas both sides have been turned over in friendlies against a powerful Douglas Casuals team and with Cheshire ambitions still on the horizon both will want to acquit themselves well.

A home tie for England in the Six Nations may well have a say on the outcome of this game. 

Ramsey are definitely missing a few, last Saturday though a few newish faces emerged in the red and black shirt. 

Leo McVicar bagged two tries on debut and there were also two for wing Adam Dempsey in just his third game; Ffinlo Corkill made a little cameo on the wing and Owen Bevan showed he has blossomed into a terrier while at university.

Nomads' Rob Craine seems to be their form man this season he was excellent pre-Christmas against Ramsey and scored their only try last Saturday against Douglas. 

The remainder of the team are capable and experienced too with skipper Finn McGregor able to play a number of positions and a good hard runner with ball in hand.

This should be a close game and is impossible to call.

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