The curtain falls on the 2018-19 rugby season with the Manx Cup final bringing things to an end on Saturday afternoon.
The Cup has for many years been a straight knockout, but with Douglas’ first team being at such a high level in recent years it has been little more than a procession.
This season, to help develop both Southern Nomads and Douglas Celts, a new league-based format was agreed and the top two play-off in this weekend’s final.
Ramsey topped the league phase but only just.
Their clash with the Celts at Mooragh Park ended in a 15-15 draw and this augurs well for a close final this week.
Ramsey won their league in the English Clubs Championship, losing only once in 20 outings and winning the title with a 20-point cushion.
They also boasted the most potent attack and the meanest defence.
Aside from the defeat away at Oldershaw, the only other points dropped this season were in the drawn game with Celts.
Douglas’ second string have been playing domestically and have had a mixed season.
Beating Vagabonds and Southern Nomads in the Manx Cup earned them their place in the final and they also claimed a Manx Trophy win against Nomads a fortnight ago.
They did, however, slip up in the Manx Shield competition, losing twice to Southern Nomads to leave them runners-up.
There are no reported injuries in the Ramsey camp with everyone fully rested.
Half-backs Fintan Cummins and Scott Kneale were both left out of the final league game to make sure they recovered fully and with everyone fit and available, there’ll be some selection headaches in most positions.
The second row, however, should be simple with Eddie Lord and Anthony Fergusson both outstanding this season.
Another simple call will be Dan Bonwick, he will be among the first names on the team sheet as will John F. Watling at number eight.
Outside of these things get a little more complex.
Douglas have consistently had a powerful front five which has won them games.
Chris Bollen, Dave Sherwin and Owen Carvin have made a solid front row, but the addition of Dave Hinks and/or Danny Creer toughens things up even more.
Conor McCaughan at either eight or second row has ran in tries aplenty and Mike Osborne on the flank has also looked impressive.
In the backline Carl Conroy has done a steady job all season and, with Charlie Henthorn at fullback and Cal Dentith on the wing, there’s plenty of counter-attacking pace.
The forecast for the weekend looks unsettled with strong wind and the possibility of showers. The recent dry spell though should leave a decent running track at Ballafletcher which may suit Ramsey a little better.
If, however, there’s any significant rainfall at game time, this may just tilt the balance towards Douglas.
Spectators are asked to park in the main hospital car park in the event that the Ballafletcher car park is full. Please don’t park on the main hospital drive.
l The outstanding games in the Manx Plate competition will now be played ahead of the new season.
Fixture: Saturday, April 27
Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup Final
Ramsey v Douglas Celts
at Ballafletcher ko 2.15pm
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