Douglas Rugby Club host Kirkby Lonsdale at Port-e-Chee in Regional Two North West this weekend..

The Manx side, who sit ninth in the standings, will want to get back on track after Storm Boelo caused the postponement of the last scheduled fixture at Waterloo.

The Cumbrians were promoted last season from Counties One after relegation in 2023-2024 from R2NW, and picked up their first winners points against Burnage last week to climb above Winnington Park to 11th in the league table basement.

The last meeting with Douglas in March 2024 was a tight 23-17 at Port-e-Chee, after a similarly close 19-13 encounter at Underley Park.

The week off may serve Douglas well and enable players to return from injury. Prop and captain Simon Hoddinott is a key component up front and his return will lighten coach Phil Cringle’s selection load.

Owen Carvin is set to win his 100th cap on Saturday and, alongside Josh Campbell and Garland who has relished the extra work, the Douglas front-row looks a stable unit.

Douglas are level on points with Wilmslow in eighth and the Cheshire team welcome league leaders Sandbach on Saturday.

With a game in hand on those around them in the table, after only five rounds of the season the Manx side know wins and bonus-points at Port-e-Chee are essential if they want to make a play-off challenge again. Kick-off is at 3pm.

TONY WILSON=SPRATT

FIXTURES

Saturday, October 31:

Regional Two North West

Douglas v Kirby Lonsdale @ Port-e-Chee 3pm

Counties Three ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Vagabonds v St Edwards Old Boys @ Ballafletcher ko 2.15pm

Women’s NC2 Borth (West)

Vagabonds v Macclesfield @ Ballafletcher ko 2pm

Friendly

Vagabonds B v Douglas Celts @ Ballafletcher ko 12.30pm