The new-look Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup approaches its first pinch point this Saturday afternoon.

The clubs this season are playing on a round robin league basis with the top two playing off in the final on April 27.

There have been three rounds of matches thus far and the side in the most precarious position is Vagabonds.

They’ve played three and lost three and another defeat this weekend is likely to mean they’ll be unable to qualify for the final.

Vagas face Douglas Celts at Ballafletcher this weekend while, in the other tie, Southern Nomads face Ramsey at Mooragh Park.

Nomads have a little more breathing space than Vagabonds but know that if they lose and Douglas beat Vagabonds, they’ll also struggle to qualify.

The Douglas v Vagabonds game promises to be a cracker. Douglas are just hitting their straps domestically and had a good workout against Vagabonds’ B team last week.

The tight five were mightily impressive especially the grunt up front from Chris Bollen, Dave Sherwin and Owen Carvin who scored four tries between them.

Also impressive were Rob Todd and Mike Osborne in the back row and Douglas were without their leading scorer Conor McCaughan who will surely return this week.

Vagas’ first team will be a much taller order for the Celts.

Steve Logan is electric in the backline and will be a threat for Douglas if he gets any ball.

The battle, however, will be for the Vagabonds pack.

The Douglas eight was powerful last week and the Vagabonds front five will need to put in a big shift to tame them.

At Mooragh Park, Ramsey will be missing a few this weekend.

Skipper Henry Swithinbank is on holiday and dogged tight-head prop Michéal Flynn will lead the team.

Ethan Benjamin is back from injury and is likely to replace Swithinbank at centre.

Anthony Fergusson is also reported to be unavailable which should see Jamie Arneil move from the back row into his more favoured second row position.

Nomads are leading the Shimmin Wilson Shield this season and gave a good account of themselves last time out despite a 27-0 loss.

Rob Keelan and Mark Young are the big threats but keep an eye out for youngsters Ethan McNaught and Elliott Callow who have the pace to do damage.

Nomads know Ramsey’s agoraphobic style isn’t suited to the Mooragh and will try to take advantage.

Fixtures: Saturday, February 23

Women’s NC North West One

Carlisle v Vagabonds @ Carlisle

Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup

Ramsey v PDMS Southern Nomads @ Mooragh Park ko 2.45pm

Vagabonds v Douglas Celts @ Ballafletcher ko 2.15pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Plate

Ramsey B v Emerging Nomads @ Mooragh Park ko 1.15pm

Castletown v Western Vikings @ Poulsom Park ko 2.15pm