With Ramsey and Vagabonds’ first teams having a free week from league matches, it means that the new-look Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup resumes on Saturday.

The two league sides together with Southern Nomads and Douglas Celts will play each other on a round robin league basis with the top two playing off for the Cup in an end-of-season final.

The first round was played in November and there were a couple of shocks for the league sides.

Ramsey were held to a 15-15 draw at Mooragh Park by Douglas Celts while Vagabonds were beaten at home by Southern Nomads.

While there’s an argument that players were rested, both results were thoroughly deserved and it’s clear that neither of the domestic sides will be underestimated this weekend.

Nomads’ defeat of Vagabonds means they top the table, but will have a big job on their hands when in-form Ramsey visit King William’s College.

The northerners were unstoppable against Oldershaw last weekend, but Nomads will recall a cup win two years ago and will be convinced they can repeat it.

The only reported knock last week for Ramsey was Mikey Craine.

His shoulder should be fit, though, and aside from that, Ramsey are likely to be at full strength.

Nomads too are looking good and with two wins against Douglas Celts also under the belt they look favourites to lift the Shield title.

Rob Keelan and Mark Young are their two form players but there’s plenty of talent in both forwards and backs.

Steve McHugh is a dangerous forward runner while Andy Lean and Gerard Landels are very experienced operators in the backline. Expect a close game here.

Meanwhile at Port-e-Chee Douglas Celts host Vagabonds.

The two met in pre-season so will be familiar enough with each other.

Vagas’ league form has been steady and until last week they were a short hop from the promotion places.

That hop is a little larger now but they still have a very real chance of making the promotion spots.

Douglas Celts have faltered a little this season, mainly due to the inconsistency of the fixture list.

Callum Dentith, Mike Osbourne and Carl Conroy are likely to be the players for Vagas to watch.

Vagas meanwhile await the return of their new men this season MC De Jongh and Steve Logan and their inclusion could spell danger for Douglas.

FIXTURES: SATURDAY, JANUARY 19

North One West

Firwood Waterloo v Douglas @ Waterloo

Women’s NC North West One

Crewe & Nantwich v Vagabonds @ Crewe

Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup all ko @ 2.15pm

PDMS Southern Nomads v Ramsey

@ King William’s College

Douglas Celts v Vagabonds @ Port-e-Chee

Shimmin Wilson Manx Plate all ko @ 2.15pm

Castletown v Ramsey B @ Poulsom Park

Vagabonds B v Western Vikings @ Ballafletcher