Six months ago nobody knew what the rugby season may look like in the Isle of Man and beyond.

Back at the height of lockdown, nobody could have imagined that by the middle of December two quite successful domestic competitions would be nearing completion.

Nor could anyone have imagined that a women’s side would be competing and they would be the only completed community competitions in the UK.

The winning margins have not been massive and, indeed in the Bowl competition, there are still three sides capable of winning.

Douglas North sewed up the Manx Trophy last Saturday with an emphatic win against Southern Nomads, but face a trip to Ramsey this week where the going may not be as easy.

Ramsey lost the away leg 38-9 back in early November, with only three penalties from leading points scorer Dan Richmond to show for their efforts, although the Douglas lead at half-time was only 7-6 so the northerners will know they can keep the new Trophy champions in check.

But the Douglas youngsters are a real handful: the Martin twins on the wings and Charlie Henthorn at full back all make attacking look easy and they will surely be the dangermen on the big Mooragh pitch.

In the other Trophy game, Douglas South host Southern Nomads at Port-e-Chee. Douglas won the earlier leg 75-20 down at Ballakilley and will be confident they can pick up the single point needed to confirm themselves as runners-up.

Nomads put in a gritty display last Saturday and attacked from start to finish but never got the breaks they deserved. Jacob Meechan looked sharp at nine and Django Kinley made numerous line breaks.

Despite that, Douglas South have a lot of power up front. Former Nomad Owen Carvin has been in great touch from the front row and Nomads will need a big front-five performance to make any dent in South.

MANX BOWL

The Manx Bowl is finely balanced: Emerging Nomads know that if they beat Vagabonds Hornets this weekend then the title is theirs.

Mike Quayle’s men have had their mid-season wobble and were back on track last Saturday with a solid win against Western Vikings, but Hornets have lost their last two.

The earlier meeting ended in a 32-24 Vagas win so, on paper, there’s little to choose between them. A Vagas win could send the game down to a final decider between Vagas and Ramsey B. An earlier game between the two was postponed.

Ramsey face Castletown this week at Mooragh Park and know that a win could put them back into the title race.

Neil Hulme’s northern side have won their last six on the bounce and a five-pointer against Castletown will put them within striking distance provided Vagabonds beat Nomads.

Youngster Jake Richmond has played only four senior games but has ran in 12 tries. He may get a first team call this week but, if playing, will be one to watch.

Finally, Western Vikings host Vagabonds Ladies in their first Peel trip of the campaign. Vikings are vying with Castletown for fourth place and will be looking for a bonus-point win to try and claim the place.

Vagas Ladies have been reasonably competitive against the men’s sides in this tag variation of the game which has been something of a godsend for them, given they have no natural opposition and the quarantine rules make travel impossible.

This could be quite close but Vikings should take the win.