With north west league matters now firmly behind them, Douglas and Vagabonds line up for their Shimmin Wilson Manx Cup semi-final on Friday evening.
The pair first attempted to play the last-four tie back in February, but that was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at Port-e-Chee.
As there are no provisions to switch pitches in the somewhat dated competition rules, Douglas dug in their heels to retain home advantage, although with less than a mile separating the two grounds, it’s doubtful whether that actually counts for much.
This weekend though, with much dryer conditions, the Port-e-Chee pitch should be in good order and the game will get the weekend under way at 6.45pm.
Douglas must start as favourites. They play one league higher in the South Lancashire and Cheshire structure and finished eighth.
They did, however, suffer a five-point deduction for an administrative infringement and those points would have yielded them a fifth-place finish. That would have represented a fine campaign although six or seven wins short of the promotion places. That said, Douglas did pick up four losing bonus points which suggests that some of their defeats were tight and with a solid effort over the summer, they could be challenging next season.
Vagas, in the division below, finished with a similar record to Douglas and indeed were around six wins shy of the promotion places.
Like most teams, Vagas have been stronger at home but have picked up notable wins away at champions Manchester Medics and third-place Dukinfield. This suggests that on their day Vagas are capable of pulling off a big result.
Going into this game however, Vagas have been suffering from some injury problems including inspirational skipper Leigh Kennaugh. They’ve had a couple of weeks off and should be looking to get a good strong squad together.
Douglas’ inspiration normally flows from Bryn Snellgrove, but his absence over the last couple of weeks has given Luke Hyland a chance to shine and shine he has. Snellgrove had a run with the seconds last Saturday at scrum-half and Douglas may be looking to leave the settled Hyland in the number 10 jersey and start Snellgrove at nine.
Whatever the selections this is an intriguing game and with the ground firming up, Douglas’ big forwards may tire and leave Vagas an opening for a 50th birthday present. On form and league position, however, I just fancy Douglas.