With the sharp end of the season rapidly approaching Ramsey face a challenging trip to Liverpool University this Saturday in South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Three.
The Manx outfit have an eight-point lead at the top of the table and a game in hand to boot, however, the university side were formidable opponents at the Mooragh and will be tough to crack on their home turf.
To say Liverpool’s results have been erratic is something of an understatement. Early on in the season they looked to be title contenders, but a couple of surprise results have pushed them down to eighth and while a promotion spot is mathematically possible it does need an improbable series of results. They beat Oldershaw just a couple of weeks ago though and this suggests that they still have what it takes on their day, but just lack consistency. Ramsey won 24-7 at the Mooragh but it was a hard-fought victory.
Once again Ramsey have an early start and the strength of the travelling squad will be affected by working commitments. Success in most rugby union is built around a solid front-five and Ramsey have managed well with limited resources. Dave Hinks and Micheal Flynn have anchored the front row for most of the season and the return of Rory Nicholson has taken some of the pressure off recently.
Steve Cleator has converted from wing to hooker and is not only competent in the set piece but highly mobile too and full of backline tricks.
Anthony Fergusson and Ben Barlow have formed a solid second row and both travelling this week will give Ramsey the platform they need.
If the weather’s good expect plenty of points in this game, and with Ellesmere Port and Wallasey meeting in a second versus third clash, Ramsey could make hay while the sun shines.