With a four-point lead at the top of the Women’s NC2 North (West), Vagabonds women head to Eccles this weekend looking for maximum points to continue their push.

Eccles have only played twice so far this season and have lost both, to Birkenhead Park and Aspull. These two sides haven’t met Vagas yet and both have a game in hand which could see them either level or just behind Vagas in the standings which suggests they’re also contenders.

Eccles’ defeats were both by small margins too which points to them being potentially competitive. But they will need to be at their best to match Vagas who have swept all before them so far this season.

While the damage for Vagas has been mainly through the backline, it’s the forwards who have been providing the ammunition. Prop Maisie Murray was rewarded with a try last week, but it’s the week in, week out graft her and the pack put in which is winning ball for the back line to attack with.

The two sides were in different divisions last season but have met 10 times previously, with Vagas ahead seven wins to three in the statistical standings.

This season the Manx side have the most potent attack and the meanest defence in this league and things are starting to shape up well for them. A win here could be their toughest test yet.

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 7:

Regional Two North West

Manchester v Douglas @ Manchester ko tbc

Counties Three ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Oxton Parkonians v Vagabonds @ Oxton ko tbc

Women’s NC2 North (West)

Eccles v Vagabonds @ Eccles ko 12pm

Hartford Homes Manx Shield

Southern Nomads v Western Vikings @ Ballakilley Park ko 2.15pm

- Reports from Saturday’s matches will appear in next week’s edition of the Isle of Man Examiner, on sale Tuesday morning.