Rugby: Big Manx derby awaits at Mooragh Park

Douglas second in Regional 2 North West ahead of Widnes test

Report by Dave Christian:

Ramsey host Vagabonds at the Mooragh Park on Saturday in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire in a tie which has been eagerly awaited since the fixture list was announced back in July. 

The dilution of the leagues in 2019 has resulted in a few mismatches and left both Ramsey and Vagabonds occupying the bottom two places in the table. 

Vagabonds though have the slightly better record with one win from seven while Ramsey have yet to break their duck. 

Additionally, 'Vagas' have a losing bonus point from their game against Orrell, plus a draw against Hoylake which all suggests Vagabonds could have then edge in this clash.

The playing records are not that dissimilar though - 'Vagas' have scored two more points than Ramsey in their seven games which implies the attacks are not that different. 

Ramsey, however have the leakiest defence in the table with four hundred points going against them, albeit one hundred and sixteen were all in one game back in September.

The Vagabonds defence against Dukinfield two weeks ago was immense - from one to 15 they were all making tackles and some thumping ones too. 

Leo Marques and Cam Findlay definitely caught the eye that day; Cal Donnell is another solid defender and he was back last week to make just his third appearance of the season. 

Vagabonds' strength though is up front and they will look to dominate Ramsey’s tight five to deliver clean ball to skipper Dan Bonwick and his back line.

Ramsey, despite their playing record were right in the game at half time last week against Burnley. 

There were just four points separating the sides after 40 minutes but Burnley tightened things up after the break. 

Ramsey captain, Josh Corteen paired with Matt Meechan in the back row were as usual, a handful but the player that caught the eye was centre, Keiran Kneale. 

Ramsey have a few injuries to deal with too - Josh Leece and Jake Richmond were joined on the sick list by Jake Severs last Saturday and with Ffinlo Corkill awaiting attention to a knee problem, they may have their options restricted.

Based on form, Vagabonds probably start as favourites in what should be a proper blood and thunder game.

Douglas optimistic but cautious

In Regional 2 North West Douglas have engineered themselves a great position after a strong run of results. 

They sit in second place just three points behind leaders Sandbach and have a game in hand too, so as Christmas approaches, all is looking well. 

This week they face fifth-placed Widnes at Port-e-Chee and the Cheshire side are just four points adrift.

The Island squad performed well last week with the only injury concerns wing Oli Corkish and skipper Blake Snell; Jack Wallis made a solid debut at full back and all the usual names should be available too. 

Douglas have the meanest defence in the table so far but Widnes do have two losing bonus points which suggests that their form is not too far away from being contenders.

Home advantage should help Douglas although Widnes did beat them at Port-e-Chee last season. 

This could be a close game.

**

Fixtures

Saturday, 29 November 2025

Regional 2 North West

Douglas v Widnes @ Port-e-Chee (1.30pm KO)

Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Ramsey v Vagabonds @ Mooragh Park (1.30pm KO)