A blustery and damp Friday is set to give way to a largely dry weekend, much to the relief of the pain-hungry folks currently completing their metronomic sufferfest at Backyard Ultra Isle of Man.
Extreme feats of endurance aside, there’s plenty to get your teeth into in the world of sport this weekend. Whether it’s the smell of burning rubber that gets you going, or the squeak of shoes on varnish that tickles your fancy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Start Your Engines
The annual Chris Kelly Rally got underway this evening (October 2), encompassing 12 challenging stages across the 93-mile route taking place over the course of the weekend.
The event is the second of the two rallies that take place on the island, with the Manx National Rally having enjoyed a record-breaking entry of 170 teams earlier this year.
This evening’s action is taking place in the south of the island, as competitors negotiate special stages on some of the island’s most famous rallying terrain. Leg two, on Saturday (October 3), sees teams head north and includes the fearsome ascent of Tholt Y Will.
Former Irish Tarmac and Irish National champion Declan Boyle headlines the field, alongside his two sons, Declan and Matthew.
Netball Back in Full Force
After a week-long hiatus, Netball makes a return to the court with a host of games taking place at both the NSC and Bemahague.
Simcocks Red top the Premiership Division table after producing a pair of dominant wins in their opening two fixtures. Ballasalla Avalanches also boast an unbeaten record, only sitting second to Simcocks by virtue of points difference. the Avalanche’s have the opportunity to take top spot with a win over Simcocks Blue, as their table-topping rivals have the weekend off.
Just one point separates Route 1 Connections in 3rd and Simcocks Blue in 6th, so we can surely expect a blockbuster weekend filled with chopping and changing throughout the division.
You can find a full list of this week’s fixtures here.
Athletics Heads West
The Western 10 road race, organised by Western AC, takes place this Sunday and is being held in memory of stalwart figure Gordy Brew.
Having been held continuously since 1982, the event is run over variable terrain, beginning on flat ground as the runners head out through Patrick and St Johns. The second half of the route is significantly more testing, characterised by the brutal ascent to the top of the switchback, before following the coast road back to the finish on the East Quay.
The course record stands at a scintillating 52mins 4secs, set by Steve Kelly in 1983, while recent World 100km Championship athlete Sarah Webster holds the women’s record with a time of 58mins 18secs.
An accompanying race walk is also taking place, setting off an hour ahead of the run over the same course, in memory of Julie Brew, Gordy’s daughter-in-law.
A new record was set by Neil Wade, who flew home in last year’s event, posting a time of 1hr 20mins 18secs to narrowly beat the previous mark set by Peter Kaneen in 2008. Erika Lockley holds the women’s record with 1:25:05, set in 2023.
Entries can be made on the day in Peel Market Place at 8:15am. The walk will get underway at 9:15am, followed by the run an hour later.
Corinthians Bid to Stay Unbeaten, Will RYCOB Remain Basement Battlers?
The Canada Life Premier League continues this weekend, and Corinthians will be hoping to return to winning ways agains a struggling Braddan side who were on the receiving end of a 6-1 drubbing against Peel last time out. The Victoria Road outfit made the headlines this week, as their lease battle with the Isle of Man Government continues.
The Whites are one of only two teams in the top flight that remain unbeaten, with Union Mills being the only other side not to have tasted defeat in the league this term. The latter will play St Marys at home this weekend, and can leapfrog Peel into second with a win, as the Westerners don’t have a fixture.
Just three points separate 2nd and 6th, and there’s potential for wholesale changes at both ends of the table when the dust settles on Sunday.
RYCOB face a daunting task against in-form St Johns, as their wait for points continues, while Rushen United return from their week off to host Ramsey. Struggling Colby also have an uphill battle ahead of them against Onchan.
You can find a full list of this week’s fixtures here.