Rugby: Douglas hoping to maintain high standing at Firwood Waterloo

Vagabonds and Ramsey both at home, Vagabonds Ladies on the road at Bury

Report by Dave Christian:

Douglas are in second place in Regional 2 North West and have a game in hand so are sitting pretty. 

They travel to Firwood Waterloo this week and they’re currently bottom. 

Also, leaders Sandbach are away at third place North Ribblesdale and Douglas are poised to pounce if they slip up.

Douglas have Matty Wood poised to return to the squad in the ten jersey and have an embarrassment of riches in the back row with four players potentially vying for three spots. 

There’s a minor worry over prop, Simon Hodinnot and he’ll undergo a fitness test before travelling.

Statistically with the toughest defence in the league, Douglas will start as favourites but Waterloo have two losing bonus points indicating two very narrow losses so could be a little tougher than their league position suggests.

Ramsey and Vagabonds both at home

It’s rather unusual to see two home games in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire but that’s exactly what’s happening this week with both Ramsey and Vagabonds taking on off-Island opposition. 

Ramsey entertain Burnley at the Mooragh Park while Vagabonds host Oldham at Ballafletcher.

It would be fair to say that the season didn’t start well for Ramsey on their return to the league system - they’re bottom of the standings after six matches, they’ve conceded more points than anyone else and scored less. 

Burnley, meanwhile are third and have the tightest defence in the league - the two haven’t met previously either and on that basis it seems likely that Burnley could take the points here.

Ramsey have had it tough with injury - Try machine, Brandon Atchison has been crocked since week one; Jake Richmond has a continuing knee knock and Josh Leece a shoulder problem. 

This has led to something of a reshuffle that has yet to fully blossom -  youngster, Dan Kelly is highly rated at scrum half but needs time to grow into the role and will do, but perhaps not quick enough for this game.

Vagabonds had a similar start to Ramsey but are now showing signs - the defensive effort they put into last week’s win against Dukinfield was exceptional with huge hits coming in from one through to 15. 

They worked had for their win and will surely pick up more points as the season progresses, Oldham, however are fourth and have won four from five so on paper would be a tougher test than Dukinfield.

'Vagas' could well be up for it though - skipper, Daniel Bonwick leads from the front; Reece De Oliveira was solid and aggressive at prop; Leandro Marques worked his socks off in the back row and Cam Findlay didn’t put a foot wrong in the back line. 

There was also a big role on the bench for Michael Oates who came on at scrum half and didn’t take a backward step. 

With no previous form to go from, this could be a close game, Oldham probably start as favourites but this is a Vagabonds team on the up.

Vagabonds Ladies head to Bury

After a real thriller against Winnington Park a fortnight ago, Vagabonds Ladies hit the road this week for what on paper looks like an easier game. 

Bury are currently bottom of Womens NC2 North (South) and are winless from four outings, their scoring record is poor and they have the loosest defence. 

Matches, however, have to be won and 'Vagas' need to look past the stats and focus on the job in hand.

They were desperately unlucky against Winnington Park - they conceded four early tries and after trailing 22-0 fought back to 29-24 before missing out to a counter attack. 

Strike runner Freya Crowe left the field injured in that game and Vagbonds will want her back; Jules Harrison played a big role off the bench but may not be available to travel; Back rower, Maylyn Campbell may therefore find a workload increase as will full back Holly Scott whose tackling was immense against Winnington.

On paper this should be a Vagabonds win.

**

Fixtures 

Saturday, 22 November 2025

Regional 2 North West

Firwood Waterloo v Douglas @ Waterloo (1.30pm KO)

Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Ramsey v Burnley @ Mooragh Park (1pm KO)

Vagabonds v Oldham @ Ballafletcher (1.30pm KO)

Womens NC2 North (South)

Bury v Vagabonds @ Bury (12.30pm KO)

Tag Rugby Friendly

PDMS Southern Nomads v Castletown @ Ballakilley Park (2.15pm KO)