The bottom two sides in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl, Emerging Nomads and Castletown, meet this Saturday.

Nomads are in the slightly stronger position as they have an additional match to play, although they desperately need three points from this one.

For Castletown, however, last week’s defeat by Western Vikings effectively ended their competitive fixtures this season.

The role of a second team captain is one of the most difficult within a rugby club. You have a mixed range of player ages, a mixed level of player commitment to training and a mixed level of ability.

All added to the fact that at short notice, a visit from the first-team skipper can take players when you least expect it.

Dion Meechan is the man at Emerging Nomads who has to manage all these problems and he has battled all season to make sure he gets a team out.

Nomads’ second string beat Castletown twice in the earlier Shield competition and had a couple of other tight results before pulling off a shock win against Ramsey B in the Manx Plate.

Orry Watterson is highly effective for them in the back row and, with the occasional cameo by veteran stand-off All Corrin, they can look good in fits and starts.

Castletown’s season has been difficult but they too can have their moments and if at full strength they will give Nomads a contest.

Craig Glover is leading the team well and youngster Jim Emmett has been regularly appearing on the scoresheet with Will Welsh kicking goals.

Expect a tightish game to start with but Nomads should take the points in this one.

Fixtures: Saturday, March 18

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division One

Sefton v Douglas @ Sefton

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two

V’bonds v Ruskin Park @ Ballafletcher ko 1.30pm

Women’s NC North One

Altrincham Kersal v Vagabonds @ Altrincham

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl

Emerging Nomads v Castletown

@ King William’s College ko 1.30pm