The Manx Shield is a simple first past the post league competition, but from time to time it ends with two teams level at the top.

Conceded matches mean that points for and against aren’t a useful arbiter and a play-off is needed.

This season is exactly that. Douglas Celts and Southern Nomads are tied at the top with an identical playing record which means we have a play-off at a neutral venue which this Saturday is Ballafletcher.

Douglas have already bagged the Manx Plate and Manx Trophy this season and will no doubt be looking for a hat-trick of trophies. They beat Nomads in the Trophy final only two weeks ago in a tight game.

They were all square after an hour but Douglas picked up four tries in the last 20 minutes and Nomads were unable to reply, leaving the final score of 36-12 looking a little unflattering. They will want to put that right this week.

Nomads looked a little stronger in the back line two weeks ago. Mark Young’s pinpoint kicking with quick men Gerard and Leon Landels chasing gave the Douglas defence some problems.

Douglas, however, were better in the forwards with Mike Osborn and Daryn Thompson both putting themselves around to keep the pressure on Nomads.

Douglas skipper Carl Conroy proved to be the game changer last time out and we mustn’t forget Nathan Knights who is one of the sharpest finishers around.

Kick off at Ballafletcher is set for 2.15pm and spectators are asked not to park on the main hospital driveway.

Fixtures for Saturday, April 28

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two

Vagabonds v Wigan @ Ballafletcher ko 3pm

Lancashire/Cheshire Division Three

Ramsey v Garstang @ Mooragh Park ko 2pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield play-off

Douglas Celts v PDMS Southern Nomads

@ Ballafletcher ko 2.15pm

Junior rugby @ Port-e-Chee

12.30pmUnder-sevens,

under-eights and under-nines

3pmUnder-10s and under-11s

---------------

Sunday, April 29

Junior rugby@ Port-e-Chee

11amUnder-12s

1pmUnder-13s and 14s