Rugby: Douglas looking to get back on track against Burnage

Vagabonds Ladies to make first visit to Macclesfield

Report by Dave Christian:

At the end of November 2025 Douglas topped the Regional 2 North West table and with a game in hand they were looking in a very strong position. 

December, however was something of a disaster and three consecutive losses saw them drop to fourth and while they still have their game in hand, a maximum point win would only put them third. 

The first game of 2026 is at home against Burnage who have beaten Douglas in the last three meetings including a 25-17 win at Port-e-Chee in February 2025.

The Christmas break will have helped Douglas though - Liam Kirkpatrick, Harry Hewson and Ethan Kermode all look set to return after some proper rest and recovery and Ian Larson should also be available to give the selectors a welcome headache.

Burnage are, however just four points behind Douglas in the standings and are not to be trifled with.

Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire rugby returns for 2026

In Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire, Ramsey face Hoylake at the Mooragh while Vagabonds hit the road to Ormskirk.

The visit of Hoylake gives Ramsey a great opportunity to pick up their first win.

It would be unfair to say Hoylake are struggling, however with only four wins from eleven starts and a points difference not that different from Ramsey’s, it has to be viewed as a winnable game. 

'Vagas' snatched a draw away at Hoylake and the suspicion is that they may be weaker on the road. 

That said, they did pick up a surprise win against Oldham last Saturday so they could be a team “on the up”.

Reports from the Ramsey squad suggest no significant injury concerns - Jake Richmond’s leg appears to have recovered and while Kyle Shnier, Josh Leece and Ffinlo Corkill remain on the long term sick list, everyone else is fine and with the possibility of a couple of students still home from the Christmas break, Josh Corteen should have a full squad to pick from.

For Vagabonds there’s also a good shot at picking up a win. Ormskirk are four from ten and their points difference is not that dissimilar to 'Vagas'. 

The game is away from home so it remains to be seen who can or can’t travel - the ever-improving Matty Williams should however book a side and his versatility makes him a must have. He can hook, play on the flank or even at scrum half and really punches above his weight from the bench. 

There are no reported injuries for Vagabonds either and while the historical playing record favours Ormskirk, 'Vagas' could just sneak one here.

Vagabonds Ladies make first-time visit to Macclesfield

Vagabonds Ladies head to Macclesfield to open up their 2026 account and the two sides have never met before. 

They sit third and fourth respectively in the Womens NC2 North (South) table and have very very similar playing records. 

This all suggests a close game but as ever it will depend on the strength of the travelling squad.

It looks increasingly likely that Winnington Park and Sale FC will take the tow top slots in this league, both have been to Vagabonds and claimed maximum points which means that it will be difficult for 'Vagas' to rein them in. 

A win this week however would be a great start.

There’s no question Vagabonds have the talent in the squad - Freya Crowe has scored in every game so far; Leona McGovern has been outstanding in the centres and with Maylyn Compbell’s power in the pack, they really do pack a punch. 

If skipper, Sammie Macdonald can get a full strength team away, they’ve an excellent chance.

First vs second in Hartford Homes Manx Shield

Western Vikings visit Douglas Celts for the first Shield game of 2026. 

Douglas, however are the unbeaten league leaders and are thirteen points clear of Vikings. 

Douglas won both earlier games comfortably, although to be fair Vikings made them work for it. 

The Celts bring a mix of youth and experience plus a couple of first team fringe players. 

Vikings have some quality in their ranks with the likes of Ed Knight and Harry Goodwin but it’s probably not quite enough to prevent a Douglas win. 

**

Fixtures

Saturday, 10 January 2026

Regional 2 North West

Douglas vs Burnage @ Port-e-Chee (1.45pm KO)

Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire

Ramsey vs Hoylake @ Mooragh Park (2.15pm KO)

Ormskirk vs Vagabonds @ Ormskirk (1pm KO)

Women's NC2 North (South)

Macclesfield vs Vagabonds Ladies @ Macclesfield (1pm KO)

Hartford Homes Manx Shield

Douglas Celts vs Western Vikings @ Port-e-Chee (2pm KO)