With just over seven days left of the 2016-17 rugby season, Douglas Celts will take the field this Saturday aiming for a unique treble.

The Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield and Manx Plate are already safely secured at Port-e-Chee and this Saturday they will look to add the Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy as they take on Southern Nomads at Ballafletcher.

An improving Western Vikings pushed Douglas all the way last Saturday and indeed the game was tied 7-7 at half-time. Douglas, however, eased away in the second half to claim their prize.

Southern Nomads will be a much tougher prospect this week. The two sides have met four times already during the season, with Douglas winning three but the most recent meeting was a 45-21 victory for Nomads which may indicate the turning of the tide in their favour.

The make-up of the two teams is a little contrasting. Douglas have a blend of youth and experience while Nomads are spread a little closer around the average age line.

Nathan Knights is the main Douglas threat. He’s an instinctive finisher and will run those extra support lines to make sure his ball carriers have options. Max Morley-Green is also one to watch for Douglas and he can kick his goals too.

For Nomads, their big strike runners will provide the blunt instrument in attack. Harry Catlow and Steve McHugh relish taking the ball into contact and creating space for the quick men like Adam Young and Gerard Landels out wide.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on Rob Keelan who is a master of the dark arts and will be beavering away unseen for much of the game, but winning crucial ball.

On paper Douglas must start as favourites, but I reckon that Nomads late-season run of form may just give them the edge on the day.

Fixtures for Saturday, May 6

Promotion Play off North One West

Douglas v De La Salle @ Port-e-Chee kick off 3pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy Final

Douglas Celts v PDMS Southern Nomads @ Ballafletcher ko 1.30pm

dave christian