The absence of north west league rugby this weekend can only mean one thing - County Cup competitions.

As Douglas Celts were knocked out of the Cheshire Bowl at the beginning of the season, the only Isle of Man representative remaining in a county competition is PDMS Southern Nomads who travel to Knutsford for their semi-final in the Cheshire Plate.

Nomads beat Western Vikings and Wallasey in the earlier rounds and, with struggling Oldershaw playing in-form Ellesmere Port in the other semi, Nomads have an end-of-season final against the latter in their sights.

Knutsford were playing in South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Three until a couple of seasons ago when they withdrew from the league set up.

They now ply their trade in the Raging Bull North West Intermediate Rugby Leagues or (Noriwul for short).

Knutsford sit in Howell and Co Division Four South and they’ve been going pretty well so far this season with four wins from four.

They’re sitting in fourth place with a game in hand too and could top the table with a maximum points win.

Nomads have the two Plate wins and they’ve also beaten their local rivals Douglas Celts comprehensively in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl as well as putting 100 points past Ramsey B.

Nomads have a nice balance of beef up front and pace in the backline and will be looking to dominate all areas of play.

Mark Young has a deadly boot from the kicking tee too and he will make Knutsford pay for any indiscretions.

FIXTURES:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

Cheshire Plate semi-final

Knutsford v PDMS Southern Nomads

@ Knutsford

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl

Vagabonds B v Castletown

@ Ballafletcher ko 2.15pm

Friendly

Mike Henthorn Memorial @ Ballafletcher ko 2pm