Well, a brief glance outside the window confirms my fears that the summer sport season is now a distant speck in the rearview mirror, and that soon enough, we’ll all be leaving work in the dark. Sigh.
Fear not, however, as with the wind, rain and misery comes a whole new world of sporting action. Mostly mud-related, but always fun-filled.
So let’s get stuck into what we can expect from the weekend ahead, where “clean competition” may be harder than usual to come by.
Off the Beaten Track
The third and final round of the Cycle360 Gravel and XC MTB Series 2026 (easy for me to say), is set to take place at South Barrule Plantation on Sunday (October 11).
The event encompasses two hours of multi-lap racing, with separate routes for the gravel and mountain bike categories in what is described as the “last big hit out before the winter break.”
Age group competitions are available for youth/junior and senior men and women across both gravel and MTB disciplines.
Change at the Top
The Canada Life Premier League has a new party in the penthouse, as in-form St. Johns upset the status quo that has been the Peel-Corinthians top two. An away win over struggling RYCOB was enough to see them relegate the Westerners to third, and the Saints are now just six points off top spot with a game in hand.
What should be a comfortable day at the office against a short-handed Colby side provides the perfect opportunity for St Johns to keep the pressure on, as they continue to be the surprise package this campaign.
Corinthians 7-0 drubbing of Braddan ensured they maintained some breathing space at the summit, but next up for them is undoubtedly the game of the season so far. A trip to the opposing coast, to play a resurgent Peel side coming off the back of a rest week. Gulp.
The Ballafletcher side remain undefeated, and have looked formidable thus far, but an away game against Peel cannot be taken lightly, and has the potential to prove decisive come seasons end.
Union Mills shared the points with St Marys last weekend to maintain their unbeaten start, and with two games in hand, they could climb as high as second if results fall favourably. A trip to Laxey can’t be considered a tap in, but come the end of the weekend, don’t be surprised to see the Millers toward the northerly end of the division.
At the foot of the table, Colby were on the receiving end of an 8-1 battering at the hands of Onchan, while RYCOB’s aforementioned 3-1 loss at the hands of St. Johns sees them remain rock bottom.
You can find a full list of this weekends fixtures here.
Port-e-Chee…But Not as you Know it.
We’re used to seeing sporting action at Port-e-Chee, but this weekend, you’re far more likely to see a run than a scrum.
The opening round of the Isle of Man Cross Country League takes place this Sunday (October 11), over what has been described as a straightforward course ideal for newcomers. The four round series will run into the new year, culminating in the Isle of Man Cross-Country Championships in January.
It’s a league renowned for it’s development of Manx talent, with Keith Gerrard and Sarah Astin both having achieved success over the course of the winter series, before going on to win their respective senior national titles.
New junior age categories have been introduced to promote accessibility, and a later start time of 1:30pm has been introduced to ensure that those with morning commitments can make the start.
Speaking of the Rugger…
Despite Douglas enjoying a well deserved week off from their Regional 2 North West campaign, after picking up a first win of the season against Burnage, there’s plenty of rugby to be played this weekend.
Ramsey take on Southern Nomads in the Hertford Homes Shield, off the back of dealing out an utter demolition to Western Vikings last time out, with Jake Richmond bagging four tries in a star-studded 71-0 win. Nomads have also enjoyed success against the Vikings this season, but face a sterner road test here.
A blockbuster double-header at Ballafletcher sees both Vagabonds men and women take on UK opposition back-to-back.
The men’s side will be confident in facing bottom side Colne & Nelson, who are yet to win a point this season, in the Counties 3 ADM Lancashire & Cheshire, while the women’s team play Winnington Park immediately after.