Rugby: Trio of Manx sides on the road this weekend

Douglas, Vagabonds and Ramsey all in action away from home

Report by Dave Christian:

Douglas away at Sandbach

Douglas snatched a dramatic late win last week against North Ribblesdale and find themselves away at Sandbach this time around in Regional 2 North West. 

Sandbach had a thumping win 53-41 last week against Burnage which suggests both sides could be in the reckoning come the end of the season. 

The two sides have met twice before in the leagues with Sandbach winning on both occasions.

Douglas have some fresh faces in the squad - Matty Woods looked solid in the ten jersey and Josh Campbell in his first game at hooker carried well enough to earn a man of the match. 

Elsewhere, Liam Kirkpatrick was everywhere and his line out work deep in stoppage time gave Douglas their win. 

It's going to be tougher this week and the result could well be a good form indicator for the season.

Ramsey & Vagabonds both on the road again

After a blank week in the opening games in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire both Ramsey and Vagabonds take to the road again for week two. 

Ramsey head for Bury while 'Vagas' go south to Congleton who beat Ramsey last weekend.

Ramsey have never played Bury before in league competition so there’s no past form to establish an outcome. 

Ramsey were chasing a late win in Congleton last week and leaked a score which cost them a losing bonus point. 

Bury by contrast ran in seven tries in a bonus point win against Oldham.

A club wedding this week will however leave Ramsey a little short-handed and has resulted in some young and old call-ups. 

The old warhorse, Aaron Curphey returns and youngster Ffinlo Corkill gets a start in the back row; Joey Callow remains from full back to scrum half with the highly-experienced Fintan Cummins slotting into the nine jersey; veteran, Al Christian and debutant Garion Daniel cover the wings; finally, youngster Fynn Bradley will make his debut from the bench.

Vagabonds lost 24-0 away at Burnley last week in a game cut short following a serious injury to Burnley replacement Tom Wooler, and they’ll be itching to get stuck in again. 

Skipper, Dan Bonwick reported no Vagabonds injuries following the game and will be looking for a big performance. 

Congleton were however missing a few last week due to a stag trip and could be a little stronger this week. 

The two sides have met four times previously with the stat tale showing its two each in terms of wins. 

'Vagas' will fancy their chances here but winning away is never easy.

**

Fixtures Saturday, 13 September 2025

Regional 2 North West

Sandbach v Douglas @ Sandbach (2pm KO)

Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Bury v Ramsey @ Bury (3pm KO)

Congleton v Vagabonds @ Congleton (1pm KO)