It feels like I start most of these weekly sports previews with a comment on the deteriorating weather. However this time, I feel there’s due cause.
Storm Boelo is set to terrorise the island, and its hardy sporting souls, this weekend, and there’s a real risk that places to obtain your competitive fix could be few and far between. I know, the horror.
At time of writing, though, there’s still plenty of action scheduled. The word “Boelo”, incidentally, is a Dutch given name meaning “brave” or “strong”, and our island’s sportsmen and women will certainly have to live up to that translation, as they do battle over two days of challenging conditions.
Mills Eye Up Leaders, and it’s Tight at the Top!
Last weekend’s results have seen the top-end of the Canada Life Premier League really tighten up, with just four points separating first and fifth as we head into the next round of fixtures. One fixture has already bitten the proverbial dust, with Laxey’s game against Ramsey postponed due to adverse weather; let’s see how many times I have to add to that list before this article is published!
Corinthians remain at the summit after their bye week, but Union Mills are now only three points behind them with a game in hand after demolishing Onchan 6-2 last time out. The Whites have the easier game this weekend, as they face RYCOB, while Mills will have to be at their best to defeat St John’s who themselves will be fully rested after two weeks without a game.
Peel duly dispatched RYCOB last weekend, hitting the northerners for six without reply, and have ample opportunity to continue their winning run against relegation contenders Colby at Douglas Road on Saturday (October 24).
St Mary’s will watch on in the hope that both the bottom two sides can pull of the unlikeliest of upsets, to ensure their rest week doesn’t see them lose ground in the title race. Braddan will also enjoy a week without a game, having put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone when thumping Colby 9-0 in the latest round of fixtures.
You can find a full list of this weekend’s games here.
Elsewhere, FC Isle of Man’s Macron Cup game against Maghul will now take place at the earlier kick-off time of 3pm, having been moved forward in an attempt to dodge the worst of the inclement weather.
Surely the Rugby’s On?
…Alas, even some of the toughest sportsmen have had to concede defeat, with both Douglas First XV and the Celts side postponing their scrummaging for the weekend.
Vagabonds are yet to call their game off, though, so we may yet see action at Ballafletcher tomorrow! Vagas take on Dukinfield in the Counties 3 ADM league, and will look to capitalise on an impressive showing against Colne & Nelson a fortnight ago.
It’s been a positive start to the season for both sides, who sit sixth and fifth in the division respectively, with just four points separating them. The Manxmen have reason to be wary, however, with the visitors not having lost a game this season. Proceedings get underway at 2.15pm (assuming it does at all).
Bowled Over
The Muriel Cain Memorial Round Robin takes place this Saturday, in one of the only sports fixtures that I can (almost) guarantee will be played. A round of applause for the bowlers, please.
Action commences at the NSC from 1.30pm on Saturday, with all those bidding to best last years winning trio of Colin Brown, Win Collister, and Dee Lewis asked to register by 1.15pm.
All proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the MSPCA.
Athletics Aplenty Abandoned
There was due to be a trifecta of athletics meetings this weekend, at varying paces, but mother nature has put heed to the majority of these events.
The annual James Coulson Fell Race was due to take place in Laxey on Saturday (October 24), but has since been postponed, as has the opening round of Rosie Morrison Trail series which had been scheduled to get underway at the Fish Yard on Sunday (October 25).
The opening round of Manx Harriers Winter Walk League is now also at risk of being abandoned, with a decision being made at noon tomorrow. Should the meeting go ahead, action starts at 9.30am on the NSC roadway, with races of 10km, 5km, and shorter options for young walkers.
If you know of any upcoming sporting events that you’d like to see included in the weekend preview, get in touch with as at newsdesk@manx.news.