With everything else now finished, there remain only two competitions to complete to mark the end of the 2016-17 rugby season.

Rather unusually, however, the remaining Manx Cup semi-final and final are being played within the space of 48 hours.

Old rivals Douglas and Vagabonds clash tonight (Thursday) at Ballafletcher with the winners going on to face Southern Nomads in Saturday’s final at Port-e-Chee.

Given the gulf between the two sides in terms of league standings, Douglas must start as overwhelming favourites to beat Vagas and move into the weekend’s final.

The favourite tag can sometimes breed overconfidence and the coaching team at Port-e-Chee will be guarding against that. The side have had a tough work out against De La Salle last week as did the second team in their Manx Trophy final.

The players will all have put in big shifts and won’t be impressed with the idea of playing twice in quick succession.

Indeed it’s a sporting gesture from Douglas to commit to these fixtures in order to bring the season to a close.

Vagas will admit this is a season they’ll want to forget and while stalwarts like Kevin Birchall and Rob Martin will have little difficulty in firing up for a Douglas game, they will have to work very hard to inspire the rest of their team-mates.

Expect a Douglas win here, barring a major miracle.

In Saturday’s final, it’s all really about Southern Nomads.

Their victory against Ramsey in the semi-final has given them their first ever Manx Cup final appearance and you can bet your boots that whoever they play on Saturday, they’ll give it their best shot and enjoy the occasion.

Most of Port Erin are likely to turn up to support and the men in green will give a good account of themselves.

Such is the gap in playing standards, however, if they’re facing Douglas, the contest will end only one way.

Finally in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl, Western Vikings take on Emerging Nomads on the undercard for the Cup final.

Vikings gave a great account of themselves in the Manx Plate final only two weeks ago and were holding Douglas Celts 7-7 at half-time before finally losing 24-12.

If they can create that level of performance a second time, they should beat Dion Meechan’s Emerging Nomads who are likely to be distracted by the Cup.

Fixtures

Thursday, May 11

Manx Cup Semi-Final

Vagabonds v Douglas @ Ballafletcher ko 6.45pm

---------------

Saturday, May 13

All at Port-e-Chee

Friendly

Douglas Celts v Blackburn ko 12pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl Final

Emerging Nomads v Western Vikings ko 1.30pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup Final

PDMS Southern Nomads

v Vagabonds/Douglas ko 3pm

JUNIOR TOURNAMENT

TAKES PLACE AT PORT-E-CHEE

The second annual Old Mutual International Junior Rugby Festival at Douglas RUFC proved to be a huge success attracting hundreds of spectators.

Teams drawn from rugby union clubs and schools across the island, and one team from Manchester, took part in the tournament which was supported by entertainment and sideshows for all the family. The competition featured age group matches from under-sevens up to u16s with games being played on both days of the festival on April 29 and 30.

To celebrate its role as title sponsor, Old Mutual International handed out various prizes and provided branded giveaways.

The company’s managing director Peter Kenny said: ’As the main sponsor of Douglas RUFC we were delighted to support the festival again.

’It was great to see so much enthusiasm for the sport on the island.

’On behalf of Old Mutual International I would like to thank the many club officials, volunteers, players, coaches and spectators for their contribution to what was a brilliant community and sporting occasion.’