Both Vagabonds sides also on the road this weekend
Report by Dave Christian:
Douglas travel to Manchester to renew an old rivalry in Regional 2 North West.
The pair haven’t met for a few years after Manchester were promoted, however relegation last season sees them lining up against Douglas.
The Mancunians have won four from six and the standout result was a 45-15 defeat of Wilmslow who won at Port-e-Chee back in week one, this points to a very tough game for Douglas.
There is some positive news for Douglas - Conor Garland could be back in the frame after recovering from a leg knock plus Simon Hodinnott and Blake Snell both returned to the fray last Saturday and appear to be fully fit again.
If everyone is fully fit, Douglas have a chance here but they’ll need to be at the top of their game.
Vagabonds men away at Parkonians
In Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire, Vagabonds face Oxton Parkonians.
The Merseysiders are no strangers to Isle of Man rugby and were regular visitors to the Vagabonds Easter Festivals in the 1990s, they’ve even hosted a Ramsey home game at their Wirral ground.
The team has been out of the English Clubs Championship for a few years and this season marks their comeback. They’ve had a mixed bag of results with a win and two draws from five outings.
Notable in that bag is the win, they beat current league leaders, Clitheroe in early October which looks like it won’t be an easy game for 'Vagas'.
Vagabond’s have, however been going OK themselves - they’ve won three from five despite having to reshuffle the back line following Archie Benson’s injury in game one.
After using skipper, Dan Bonwick to fill in at ten, they welcomed back Will Taylor last week which allowed Bonwick to return to the back row where he’s arguably at his most destructive.
Vagabonds are currently sixth in the standings and a game in hand over some of those above them could potentially see them climb as high as fourth.
Statistically while their defence has been awesome, they’ve scored much fewer points than their nearest competitors.
Bonwick who normally contributes so often to the scoreboard has potentially been neutered a little in the ten jersey and his return to the back row could inspire a change in scoring fortunes.
League leaders, Vagabonds Ladies head to Eccles
With a four-point lead at the top of the Womens NC2 North (West), Vagabonds Ladies head to Eccles this weekend looking for maximum points to continue their push.
Eccles have only played twice so far this season and have lost both, to Birkenhead Park and Aspull.
These two sides haven’t met Vagabonds yet and both have a game in hand which could see them either level or just behind 'Vagas' in the standings which suggests they’re also contenders.
Eccles' defeats were both by small margins too which points to them being potentially competitive, they will however need to be at their best to match Vagabonds who have swept all before them so far this season.
While the damage for Vagabonds has been mainly through the back line, it’s the forwards who have been providing the ammunition - prop, Maisie Murray was rewarded with a try last week, but it’s the week-in-week-out graft her and the pack put in which is winning ball for the back line to attack with.
The two sides were in different divisions last season, however they have met ten times previously with Vagabonds ahead seven wins to three in the statistical standings.
This season, Vagabonds have the most potent attack and the meanest defence in this league and things are starting to shape up well for them, a win here could be their toughest test yet.
Nomads to host Vikings in Manx Shield
The only game on Island this weekend is at Ballakilley Park, Port Erin where Southern Nomads take on Western Vikings in the Hartford homes Manx Shield.
The two have met already at QEII in this competition and Nomads won that tie convincingly.
Vikings are struggling player-wise and are likely to get some assistance from other clubs - their stand-out players have been Jack and Harry Goodwin, however the two brothers have also been involved with Vagabonds league campaign, if they’re available for Vikings this week it will make a big difference.
Nomads are likely to have too much quality for Vikings - capable forwards, highly experienced half backs and youngsters with genuine pace out wide all make a heady mix which should see the with another comfortable win.
**Saturday, 7 November 2026
Manchester vs Douglas (2pm KO @ Grove Park)
Oxton Parkonians vs Vagabonds (KO TBC @ Holm Lane)
Hartford Homes Manx Shield
FC Isle of Man seeking league boost against Longridge Town
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Football: Wayne Brown appointed IoM Women's Team Manager
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