Rugby: Douglas to host Vale of Lune

Vagabonds targeting success at Colne & Nelson (Fixtures: 28 Sept)

Report by Tony Wilson-Spratt:

Vale of Lune come to Port-e-Chee with two wins under their belts - last week versus Crewe & Nantwich, and Northwich in the opening round. 

The caning at Bowdon in between simply highlights how competitive this R2NW league is as Bowdon were beaten at newcomers Sandbach last Saturday. 

While Douglas were on the cusp of a precious away win last week and fell at the last, they looked the real deal for much of the match and will be stronger for the experience. 

And good news on the selection front as Carl Markl-Ferns and James Ross should be available, and Owen Carvin, the promising young prop, has a better prognosis that may see him back in to contention sooner than thought. 

Markl-Ferns brings options for coach Cringle in the pack, although not much was wrong at the coal face even with Harry Cartwright moved up to lock. 

James Ross is another piece of the jigsaw that could fall nicely in to place amongst the three-quarters, his delayed debut due to injury has been frustrating for player and club, but the temptation to return too quickly has been wisely avoided and will pay dividends.

Vagabonds travel to Colne & Nelson

Report by Dave Christian:

After defeats in their three opening games in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire Vagas face another tough game this week when they travel to meet third place Colne & Nelson. 

The two sides met twice last season with Colne winning both, the last of which was a 35-0 win in April this year.

While three defeats from three starts doesn’t immediately make good reading, Vagas aren’t quite at the bottom of the pile. 

They’ve acquired two bonus points from their opening games and are sitting in eleventh place, they also have games to come against some of the other sides at the lower end of the table.

This weekend much will depend on the strength of the travelling squad - Tom Gascoyne was on fire last weekend picking up three tries with Archie Benson bagging the fourth. 

Gascoyne’s experience in the back row will be vital for them and Benson’s partnership with Cal Donnell in the centre will always be a source of points. 

Western Viking Ed Knight made his debut last Saturday and if available will be a useful utility player able to play in the back five of the scrum and in the centre too.

Colne & Nelson look tough on paper though so this trip will be a big ask.

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