Rugby: Douglas host Northwich in crucial clash

Vagabonds and Ramsey both at home in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Report by Dave Christian:

Douglas host Northwich this week in a crucial clash in Regional 2 North West. 

Douglas lie sixth in the standings but have a game in hand which could see them take Northwich's third place.

Douglas' success so far is built around consistent team selection and a strong bench. 

Expect more of the same this week as they look to exploit home advantage. 

They've met Northwich 13 times before with the Cheshire outfit winning nine. 

Douglas however have won the last two meetings with home and away wins last season.

Vagabonds and Ramsey both at home

Both Manx sides in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire have home ties this weekend - Ramsey face Ormskirk at the Mooragh Park while Vagabonds take on Orrell at Ballafletcher.

Ormskirk beat Ashton-Under-Lyne in week one but have been winless since while Ramsey have lost three from three but haven't yet played at home. 

They put in a fair shift last week at Colne & Nelson but crucially picked up two injuries two key players. 

Josh Leece was having a fine game at full back until a recurrence of an old shoulder injury saw him leave the field and centre Jake Richmond tweaked a knee which may yet rule him out this week. 

Brandon Atchison wasn't available last Saturday and if he can make this game he can slot into a number of positions which could help any reshuffle. 

Eddie Lord could also return to the squad which could see Matt Meechan donning a centre shirt as Ramsey chase their first win of the season.

Vagabonds potentially have a tougher task - Orrell are two from two this season and shocked the league when they signed former cross code international Denny Solomona as their player coach. 

He played international rugby league for Samoa before changing codes and being capped by England in Rugby Union, the former Sale Shark will no doubt haven a big influence at Orrell. 

'Vagas', like Ramsey are winless thus far and haven't yet had a home game. 

They crossed for four tries last week away at Ashton and with home advantage, will fancy their chances. 

It will however be a big ask to contain Solomona, if he makes an appearance.

Vagabonds Ladies head for Crewe & Nantwich

After a couple of weeks off Vagabonds Ladies are back in action this week with a trip to Crewe & Nantwich. 

The sides have met six times previously with Crewe ahead four wins to two.

'Vagas' have only played the once and shipped a big score against Sale. 

Crewe by contrast have played twice and after beating Aldwinians in round one, they were just pipped by Macclesfield in round two. 

On paper the sides look even and Vagabonds have a great balance between pace and power. 

Maylyn Cambell and Greeba Taisia provide the power up front with Freya Crowe adding pace when it matters. 

After the Sale game, coach Jack Caine will be keen for his side to have a proper run out in a 15-a-side format to see what they're capable of.

**

Fixtures 

Saturday, 18 October 2025

Regional 2 North West

Douglas v Northwich @ Port-e-Chee (2pm KO)

Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Ramsey v Ormskirk @ Mooragh Park (3pm KO)

Vagabonds v Orrell @ Ballafletcher (1pm KO)

Womens NC2 North (South)

Crewe & Nantwich v Vagabonds @ Crewe (1pm KO)