Thanks to an ill-timed flight to Manchester, ahead of freelancing on the FA Cup First Round, there has been an unforeseen delay to your weekly sporting menu. I simply cannot apologise enough.
Fear not however; I was never going to leave you sport-mad people hanging. I’m going to have to start thinking of new introductions, however, as the depth of the Manx sporting scene has me running out of superlatives.
Anyway, I’ve left you waiting long enough. Let’s get stuck in.
Double Dose of Athletics Action
The weather looks set to play ball this weekend (hallelujah!), and there is local athletics in the offing on both Saturday and Sunday.
The previous round of the Callin Wild Manx Fell Runners League had to be postponed because of Storm Boelo, but there should be no such problems for the Narradale race on Saturday morning. This is a Category A race, covering a hefty distance of 20km and with 1,080 metres of brutal ascent. The challenging route is comprised of a mixture of open fell (navigation skills required, as if you needed something else to worry about when trying to stave off a heart attack), and a portion of green lane to negotiate.
The race starts and finishes at Sulby Claddaghs, getting underway at 10.30am with registration from 9.30am.
On Sunday morning (November 8), Western AC have the rearranged opening round of the Rosie Morrison Trail Series, another event to fall victim to the conditions a fortnight ago. There are races over distances of 10km, 5km, 2km and 1km, with all contests starting and finishing at the Fishyards in Peel. Action commences from 10am, but entries must be in by 10pm on Saturday night (November 7).
Douglas Rivalry Reborn, Domestic Rugby Returns
Following a strong showing last time out, which saw off visiting Kirkby-Lonsdale RUFC, Douglas are set to reignite a rivalry which was last contested over a decade ago.
The Manx side came out on top against Manchester at Grove Park last time, in the 2013/14 campaign, with both sides having achieved promotions since the last running of the fixture. A relegation playoff loss last season saw the Mancunians drop a division, however, setting up a mouthwatering clash in the sixth round of fixtures of the Regional 2 North West.
Douglas should be wary of the quality their opponents possess, with the hosts having dealt Wilmslow a heavy 45-15 defeat earlier in the season, not long after the latter beat the Manxmen in the opening game of the season.
Head coach Phil Cringle has been forced into significant changes due to injury and unavailability. Ralph Clarke slots into the front row, with Alfie Howard also making an appearance in the pack to partner Kudzai Chenda. John Dutnall comes into the back row. On the bench Thumbiko Chenda joins his brother in the squad and Patrick Loader will be chomping at the bit to make his 1st XV debut this match.
Vagas Need to be at Their Best
In Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire, Vagabonds will take on Oxton Parkonians, aiming to make it back to back wins in the league.
A mixed season for Oxton has seen them amass a win, two draws and two losses from five games, but a win against table-topping Clitheroe should be sufficient warning that the Manx side can expect a tough outing.
Vagabonds are currently sixth in the table, and victory in their game in hand could potentially see them soar as high as fourth. This is despite an injury-hit campaign which saw Archie Benson go down in the first game of the season. Still, the Manx side have notched up three wins from five matches.
The return of Dan Bonwick to his favoured back row berth could serve to change Vagas’ scoring fortunes, which have been in stark contrast to their resilient defensive work this campaign, but the men in yellow and white will need to be at the peak of their powers if they’re to continue what has been a strong start.
Vagabonds Ladies in Dreamland
It’s been an exceptional start to the season for Vagabonds Ladies. A perfect record, and a four-point buffer at the summit of the Womens NC2 North (West), life has scarcely been better as the team head across the water in search of maximum points against Eccles.
Eccles have only played twice so far this season, losing on both occasions to Birkenhead Park and Aspull respectively. They have been competitive in these games, though, and should not be overlooked.
The two sides were in different divisions last season, however they have met ten times previously with Vagabonds ahead seven wins to three in the head-to-head history books.
This season, the Manxwomen boast the most free-scoring attack and the most robust defence in this league, and although things look to be ticking along just fine, a win here won’t come easy.
Vikings Aiming to Upset Nomads
The only domestic fixture this weekend is at Ballakilley Park, where Southern Nomads face Western Vikings in the Hartford homes Manx Shield.
It’s been a turbulent campaign for the Vikings, who’ve frequently struggled for player numbers so far this season. Loanees from other clubs will likely help steady the ship, but the westerners still face a mammoth task against a Nomads side who put them to the sword earlier in the campaign.
Peel Face Mills in Crunch Clash
Too close to call has been the story of the Canada Life Premier League so far, but the marquee fixture of this weekend will go some way to sorting out the order.
Defending champions Peel face a Union Mills side who are yet to lose so far this season, and will be high on confidence after seeing off Braddan, a team who themselves caused the Westerners trouble earlier in the campaign. A win here would see them go level on points with long time leaders Corinthians at the top of the table. Peel must hit last season’s title-winning stride if they’re to remain within striking distance of the leaders, and will need to make Douglas Road a difficult place to come if they’re to defend that crown.
Corinthians left no doubt as to why they’re sitting pretty at the summit last weekend, demolishing Colby 7-0. The result also ensured that the southern side remained marooned in the relegation zone, alongside RYCOB, who had a welcome week off. This week, the bottom two play one another in a game which could produce a basement battle for the ages, while Corinthians enjoy a bit of R&R. Well, as much as one can enjoy a week off when looking over one’s shoulder…
Elsewhere, a tight game is expected between St Marys and Onchan. The Saints will be looking to get back to winning ways at the first opportunity, after a 2-2 draw with Laxey last weekend stunted their progress. Onchan on the other hand are in the ascendancy, after a 2-1 win over Ramsey saw them climb to sixth.
you can find a full list of this weekend’s fixtures here
