Douglas RUFC make the trip to Greater Manchester this weekend to face Bowdon in Altrincham on Saturday.

A warm welcome is assured at Timperley after the 17-15 home win in North One West at Port-e-Chee in January.

The short break between fixtures because of Covid travel limitations keeps the memory fresh regarding the nature of the January result where Douglas forged a 17-3 half-time lead and just held out.

Bowdon spent the majority of the match a man down, a red card for dissent issued in the second quarter.

Seth Waterworth’s return may be delayed and Paul Leivers is unlikely to travel, but the Douglas squad had a boost through January.

The recent input from ex-London Scottish prop Phil Cringle was evident and against Glossop last week changes were made that arguably kept Douglas afloat.

Whether a temporary association or a permanent tie-up, it would seem a marriage made in heaven given the return to island life for the amiable Cringle after four seasons in the second tier of English rugby.

The run of home matches has upped confidence in a young squad and, with the odd smattering of vintage Snellgrove at Port-e-Chee, the learning process continues.

Luke Hyland’s versatility at half-back has proved a bonus and, alongside Harry Swayne, Will Cain and Harry Hewson, talented options abound.

Douglas squad: Ralph Clarke, Robert Todd, Carl Markl-Ferns, Owen Carvin, Simon Hoddinott, Blake Snell, Wilf Kermode, Luke Hyland, Harry Swayne, Shay Waterworth, Craig Martin, Will Cain, Kyle Martin, Charlie Henthorn, Harry Hewson, Harry Raven.