The domestic rugby season gets under way with a twist this year - it’s being played back to front!

The campaign normally begins with the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield.

At the conclusion of this it splits into two mini leagues playing for the Manx Trophy and Bowl respectively.

In an attempt to give a more level start for the clubs at the lower end of the standings, this season will begin with the Trophy and Bowl competitions and qualification will be based on last season’s Shield finishing positions.

Southern Nomads, Douglas Celts and Ramsey B will therefore play for the Trophy, leaving Vagabonds B, Western Vikings, Castletown and Emerging Nomads to play for the Bowl.

In the Trophy, Douglas Celts visit Mooragh Park in what should be a win for the Port-e-Chee side.

Neil Hulme’s Ramsey B team is not as strong as it was last season and the northerners can perhaps feel a little unlucky that the format change occurred when it did.

That said, they were within 12 points of a Shield play-off last season and deserving of it too.

In the Bowl, Western Vikings’ game with Castletown at QEII has been postponed with the latter unable to field a side.

Finally, Emerging Nomads head to Ballafletcher to take on Vagabonds B.

With early results not going Vagas’ way in South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two, their B team may suffer a little and Emerging Nomads could well bag an early win.

Saturday, September 16

North West One

Douglas v Northwich @ Port-e-Chee ko 3pm tbc

South Lancashire/Cheshire Two

Vagabonds v Marple @ Ballafletcher ko 2pm

South Lancashire/Cheshire Three (South)

Liverpool University v Ramsey

@ Liverpool University ko 2pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy

Ramsey B v Douglas Celts

@ Mooragh Park ko 2.15pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl both ko @ 2.15pm

Western Vikings P-P Castletown @ QEII

Vagabonds B v Emerging Nomads @ Ballafletcher