Rugby: Douglas' play-off quest to continue against Firwood Waterloo

Vagabonds Ladies to welcome Bury to Ballafletcher

Report by Dave Christian:

Douglas’ quest for a play-off place in Regional Two North West continues this week when Firwood Waterloo visit Port-e-Chee. 

Douglas won 25-21 in the away fixture and will fancy their chances at home, Phil Cringle’s men current sit in fifth while Waterloo are a somewhat distant tenth after just six wins from 18 outings. 

Douglas' closest rivals also play each other of have a tough challenge meaning this Saturday is a good day to make hay, and they also have some of their early season form players slotting back into the mix. 

Nathan Robson started last week and skipper Blake Snell is back in too; Liam Kirkpatrick however hasn’t played for almost six weeks and they’d love to have him back fit again for the run-in to the end of the season.

The two sides have met 15 times previously over the years and while Waterloo are ahead in the stats, Douglas have won their last two meetings.

Ramsey head to Orrell

Ramsey dip back into the first phase of Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire this weekend when they head to Orrell for the final game. 

The fixture was postponed due to bad weather a few weeks ago but as points carry from the first phase of the competition to the second, and Orrell are in with a shout of promotion, they were especially keen to have the game played.

Ramsey started their Minor Conference with a big defeat of Dukinfield at the Mooragh but since then they’ve lost twice - to Douglas Celts in the cup and Vagabonds in last week’s double-header. 

To be fair to Josh Corteen and his men, they didn’t play badly in either defeat, they were simply beaten by teams which played a smarter game when it mattered. 

Corteen’s squad is comparatively young and they’re learning from experience, which is the hardest teacher of the lot, experience always gives the exam before the lesson and Ramsey have been found wanting twice.

Last week they missed Matt Meechan and Brandon Atchison, both are powerful runners and could have made a difference if available. 

Hooker Ben Hardman had a fine game at Vagabonds but didn’t finish due to a shoulder niggle which means fingers will be crossed this week hoping for a speedy recovery.

The two sides have met six times previously with Orrell winning five. 

The two haven’t however faced each other for over six years, which is a long time, Ramsey’s last win was at the Mooragh Park in 2014. 

A victory for Orrell will push them onto 48 championship points and keep them right in the mix for a league title or a promotion place. 

It seems likely too, however, as Dukinfield discovered, you can’t ignore a Ramsey side no matter how their results look.

Vagabonds Ladies face Bury

It's Womens NC2 North (South) this weekend on International Womens Day and bottom side Bury are the visitors to Ballafletcher. 

'Vagas' won the reverse fixture 26-15 back in November and with some big home support, they’ll be looking for the double as they try and accumulate points to try and pull a late surprise on the league’s leading group, they should pick up maximum points too, with Bury winless all season. 

However, that could cause overconfidence.

New Year defeats at Macclesfield, Didsbury and Winnington Park have seen Vagabonds just hang onto fourth place. 

Third-placed Macclesfield, however have to play leaders Sale shortly and face a trip to Ballafletcher before the end of the month which could see Vagabonds overtake them.

Last time out, 'Vagas' line up was unconventional to say the least - Corinna Daly at ten was unusual but she filled in well, ensuring tries from her back line and bagging one herself too. 

Home advantage should however see a more familiar look - Lauren Ellison is likely to return and Becky Dunne too and this should allow Bea O’Neill to slot into the back row again.

If all the home strike power is available, Vagabonds should pick up a win here.

Vikings host Nomads in Hartford Homes Manx Shield

After closing the gap to leaders Douglas Celts last Saturday, Southern Nomads are straight back into action this week with a trip to Peel to face Western Vikings. 

A win for Nomads will see them move into striking distance of the Celts, although Douglas remain favourites to take the title.

Rob Craine and Conor Stephens were the form guys last week with two tries apiece for the men in green. 

Vikings, though had their own form guy in Ed Knight who was guesting for Vagabonds in the big double-header and scored the final try of the game to remove any doubt.

Vikings beat Nomads at Ballakilley Park back in October so are clearly capable of picking up points on their day. 

Nomads, however look to be building to a big finale which could even include a Manx Cup Final, they start as favourites for this one.

**

Fixtures

Saturday, 7 March, 2026

Regional 2 North West

Douglas vs Firwood Waterloo @ Port-e-Chee (1.30pm KO)

Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire

Orrell vs Ramsey @ Orrell (1pm KO)

Women's NC2 North (South)

Vagabonds Ladies vs Bury @ Ballafletcher (1.30pm KO)

Hartford Homes Manx Shield

Western Vikings vs PDMS Southern Nomads @ QEII (2.15pm KO)