Ramsey host Vagabonds in a postponed clash in Lancashire/Cheshire Division Three at Mooragh Park on Saturday.

The initial meeting between the two was scheduled for December 15 but was postponed in the face of some appalling weather.

The two sides were due to play each other in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup this weekend in any case and it was sensible to move the league fixture to this date.

Additionally, the two clubs have agreed that the result of this match will stand for the Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup, which is a massive help in terms of fixture congestion later in the season as, believe it or not, there are only 13 weeks remaining until the end of April.

Ramsey are clearly in a strong position league-wise: they lead by 11 points from second-placed Ellesmere Port, so a league title is firmly in their own hands.

That said, the Ramsey run-in is far from smooth and an earlier slip-up at Oldershaw awaits if anyone becomes complacent.

Vagas conversely haven’t gone quite as well but have played most of the ’big guns’ and have a slightly easier looking run-in. They could yet gain sufficient points to get them nearer to the promotion places and can’t yet be discounted.

Ramsey won the earlier game at Ballafletcher but new coach Ryan De La Harpe had only just appeared on the scene back then and his impact could make a difference this weekend.

The evergreen Johnny Beckley is back into the first team, while Steve Logan - if fit - at centre is a nice signing as is hooker MC De Jongh.

Skipper James Clarke knits the team together no matter where he plays and Ross Pulman on the flank just oozes class.

They will all, however, need to be on song to stop the Ramsey machine. Dan Bonwick has been unstoppable this season at centre and Fintan Cummins at stand off will provide Beckley with a real battle.

Ramsey will miss wing Ethan Benjamin who will be out for a while, but Matthew Meechan is likely to be available and his inclusion will provide options in forwards and backs.

Mikey Craine is also expected to have recovered from a knock to be fit for the game.

The ’double’ result means it’s a game that neither side can afford to lose and the prospect may just be the carrot Vagabonds are looking for. Ramsey, however, must start as favourites on their home turf.

Fixtures for Saturday, February 2:

Lancs/Cheshire Division Three

Ramsey v Vagabonds @ Mooragh Park ko 2.30pm

Women’s NC North West One

Vagabonds v Preston Grasshoppers

@ Ballafletcher ko tbc

Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup

PDMS Southern Nomads v Douglas Celts

@ King William’s College ko 2pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Plate

Ramsey B v Vagabonds B

@ Mooragh Park ko 1pm

Castletown v Emerging Nomads

@ Poulsom Park ko 2pm