The Manx Shield takes a break this Saturday, but the two main contenders, Douglas Celts and Southern Nomads, meet in the Manx Cup, writes Dave Christian.

Celts are the defending champions and with a win at King William’s College in the Shield already under their belt, must start as favourites.

Both sides have Cheshire Plate ambitions too and in fact could meet in the semi-final, depending on other results.

Douglas’s pack will probably be the deciding factor here.

The front five has been very strong with Dan Creer in particular, making life difficult for the opposition.

In the back row, Mike Osborne and Conor McCaughan have both been scoring freely as have new signings Craig and Kyle Martin and Roland Kaslo.

Nomads have the very talented Furo Davies in their back three but if the Douglas forwards get a stranglehold on the game, his presence will be negated. Nomads have the boot of Mark Young to get them out of danger and youngsters like Jacob Halstein and Ross Mann will pose a threat with ball in hand.

This should be another close game but you have to back Douglas for the win.

Two games in Manx Plate

The Plate sits beneath the Cup and three sides will make the debuts this season this weekend.

Castletown face defending champions Western Vikings at Poulsom Park while current table toppers Vagabonds Hornets host Emerging Nomads at Ballafletcher.

Town were excellent last week against Nomads in the Shield and were a little unlucky that the game ended early because of an injury as a resurgence was on the cards.

Jim Emmett and Kunal Patel were superb in midfield and Tom Bielich’s finishing was on the money.

By contrast, Vikings lost by a big score at Douglas.

On paper this should be a Town win.

In Saturday’s other Plate game it’s a tough call.

Vagas will be at full stretch and if Nomads can get a similar team out to last Saturday they should run them close.

Fixtures:

Saturday, November 30

Lancashire/Cheshire One

Ramsey v Birchfield @ Mooragh Park ko 2.15pm

Lancashire/Cheshire Two

Vagabonds v Mossley Hill

@ Ballafletcher ko 1.30pm

Women’s NC North One West

Vagabonds v Southport

@ Ballafletcher ko 12.30pm

Manx Cup

PDMS Southern Nomads v Douglas Celts

@ King William’s College ko 2.15pm

Manx Plate

Castletown v Western Vikings

@ Poulsom Park ko 2.15pm

Vagabonds Hornets v Emerging Nomads

@ Ballafletcher ko 3pm

Castletown face defending champions Western Vikings at Poulsom Park while current table toppers Vagabonds Hornets host Emerging Nomads at Ballafletcher.