Douglas Rugby Club are on the road with consecutive away fixtures, starting at Winnington Park in round four of Regional Two North West this Saturday.

The Cheshire side haven’t had the best start to the season, with only a try bonus-point at home against Burnage to show from three losses.

Douglas are ahead 8-6 in the head-to-head league results and in the last round Park were heavily undone at Northwich, while the Manx side savaged Burnage courtesy of a seven-try blitz after a tense 20-19 half-time scoreline.

Skipper Simon Hoddinott remains on the injured list, second row Blake Snell is unavailable, and John Dutnall and Ralph Clarke will be sitting this one out.

That opens the door of opportunity up front with Kudzai Chenda, Callum Clague, Cal Dentith and Mark Oldfield in the running again.

Luke Parry may earn another start and, with Josh Duncan returning, the Douglas three-quarters will want to show their lacerating form against Burnage wasn’t just a flash in the pan at home.

Wilf Kermode and Craig Martin are playing their best rugby to date, and there’s no doubt Sam McCord benefits through the slick work of number 10 Matty Wood, whether from hand or boot, as does winger Oli Corkish – all are hungry for work.

At fullback, Kyle Martin has the capacity to open up defences, while Jonty Shimmin at scrum-half, shepherded by captain Harry Cartwright at number eight, is another promising work in progress.

The raft of changes and being away from home will make this a real challenge for the Manx side, but not an insurmountable one.

- A report from the match will appear in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner, on sale Tuesday morning.

TONY WILSON-SPRATT